Community News
Benld seeks state’s approval for potential $1.7 million water project
Mayor Jim Kelly signing the documents to submit to IEPA with City Clerk Koyne and Vander Haar looking on.
Benld city aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to authorize HMG Engineers, Breese, to submit an application to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to determine the feasibility of buying water from the City of Litchfield and determine whether Benld is eligible for a state loan to finance the estimated $1.7 cost of the proposed project. Justin Vander Haar, an engineer with HMG, emphasized that if IEPA concurs that the project is feasible and approves funding, the city will not be obligated to undertake the project.
The nature of the project and its projected cost were not discussed in open session Monday night. The BenGil Post was able to confirm via a Freedom of Information Act request that the project for which the city is seeking loan funds would involve building the infrastructure to bring water from Litchfield. The infrastructure cost is estimated at about $1.7 million. There was no disclosure regarding what the City of Litchfield would charge for water delivered to Benld. In October, Ald. Peyton Bernot asserted the cost of buying water from Litchfield could be about half of what the city currently pays for water from Gillespie.
If the loan application is approved, IEPA would loan the funds at an interest rate of one percent over a period of 30 years. According to Vander Haar, the loan terms include a provision to “forgive” up to 75 percent of the principal if necessary.
[pullquote]The BenGil Post was able to confirm via a Freedom of Information Act request that the project for which the city is seeking loan funds would involve building the infrastructure to bring water from Litchfield. The infrastructure cost is estimated at about $1.7 million.[/pullquote]
Vander Haar urged the council to take action Monday night, noting that Jan. 31 is the deadline to apply for loans for projects expected to start during the 2019 calendar year. Vander Haar also recommended applying for financing for the most expensive item, indicating that it would be easier to amend the application for a lesser amount if the city ultimately opts to pursue a less expensive option.
Last October, the council authorized HMG to conduct feasibility studies of at least four options to improve Benld’s water supply. HMG was directed to explore the possibility of buying water from the Litchfield water system or the Staunton water system. The firm also looked into buying Litchfield water via the community of Lake KaHo. Lake KaHo currently is undertaking a project to bring water to the village from Litchfield. The transmission line is expected to be complete in May and HMG reportedly investigated the possibility of extending a line from Lake KaHo to Benld. Finally, HMG explored the possibility of renegotiating the city’s contract with Gillespie.
In October, Vander Haar said Litchfield is operating with a new state of the art water treatment plant that currently is operating at 27 percent of its capacity.
Although the Litchfield option “might be the biggest capital amount up front,” Vander Haar said, it might be the most cost-effective for the city because of the amount Litchfield is willing to sell water to the city.
Representatives of HMG presented the results of the feasibility studies to the Benld Council last Thursday night during an 80-minute closed session meeting. City officials and City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the executive session was permitted because of the potential for litigation associated with extricating the city from its current contract with Gillespie. Responding to the BenGil Post’s FOIA request, City Clerk Terri Koyne said the Staunton and Lake KaHo options could be achieved for less money.
POLICE DEPARTMENT COSTS
The council set a public information meeting for 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Benld Civic Center to provide information to voters regarding a referendum on whether or not the Police Protection property tax levy should be increased from 0.1642 percent of the equalized assessed valuation to 0.6 percent. If approved by voters and enacted by the city council, the measure could generate about $40,000 in additional revenue for the Police Department.
In addition, the council spent several minutes debating a detailed proposal presented by Ald. Bernot to cut Police Department costs by reducing patrols.
The cost of operating a full-time Police Department has been on the table since last summer when city officials floated the idea of disbanding the local Police Department and contracting with the City of Gillespie for police protection in Benld. While the majority of residents attending a public meeting on the issue seemed to favor keeping the Police Department intact, city officials have struggled with closing the gap between Police Department revenue and expenditures.
Bernot said the city spent 51 percent of its resources on police protection in 2018, and 52 percent in 2017.
“That’s awfully low,” said Ald. Mickey Robinson. “If you look at all the other communities around us, it runs about 60 percent.”
Mayor Jim Kelly countered that the experience of surrounding communities are not directly comparable to Benld. Some communities have part-time police forces, he noted. In Benld, police expenditures have outstripped revenue for several years, prompting the city to look into eliminating the Police Department and seeking alternatives for providing police protection.
Bernot reported that the city appropriated $197,072 for the police department in 2018, but expenditures that year topped $278,587—a difference of $83,515. Police salaries accounted for 60 percent of the expenditures—about $98,000—Bernot noted. In addition, the city paid $11,760 to part-time officers to patrol during times when full-time officers had paid time off—bringing the total cost to $109,776.
“In reality, there’s nowhere to cut,” Bernot said. “You have to reduce costs and the only place you can do that is salaries. You can’t cut the cost of gas, you can’t cut the cost of liability insurance. We could direct more money to the Police Department, but that would only look good on paper.”
According to Bernot, Benld’s three full-time officers earn yearly salaries ranging from $29,452 to $37,325. Part-time officers earned $34,560 in 2018, Bernot said.
Under Bernot’s proposal, the number of hours local police would patrol in Benld would be reduced by four hours per day—representing a 16.7 percent reduction in the amount of time officers would be on patrol. The specific hours police would be off the streets would be left to the discretion of the Police Chief. Part-time officers would bear the burden of the reduced hours, meaning that full-time officers would continue to work 40 hours per week and would experience no reduction in earnings.
Reducing patrol hours by four hours per day would result in cost savings of $27,770, according to Bernot. If the property tax referendum is approved and implemented, the additional $40,000 in revenue plus the $27,770 in cost savings would eat up $67,770 of the $83,515 deficit.
“Reducing patrols alone is not going to solve the problem,” Bernot said. “It’s a step toward solvency. Having a 24/7 police force is going to hinder us from reaching our financial goals and our policy goals.” He asserted the reduction in patrol would have no impact on public safety.
[pullquote]“I disagree,” said Ald. Lance Cooper. “Don’t you think the criminals are going to figure out when the police aren’t going to be on patrol?”[/pullquote]
“I disagree,” said Ald. Lance Cooper. “Don’t you think the criminals are going to figure out when the police aren’t going to be on patrol?”
“There’s a lot of little things,” said Ald. Teressa Tucker, chair of the Police Committee. “When you have a big business, little things add up. This is good—what you’ve got here, but there’s a lot more.”
City Clerk Koyne said Police Department expenditures are coming in below the appropriation for this fiscal year. “They’re already helping us by cutting down on overtime,” she said. “We are not out of line compared to other communities.”
Vander Haar making his presentation to the council.
“The bottom line is that it’s up to the community,” said Mayor Kelly. “If people want 24/7 police protection, I think we’re obligated to do it. I think every alderman should talk to people in their wards and find out what they want.”
“We have to do something,” Bernot concluded. “I’m not saying we have to do it tonight, but we have to do something.”
COUNCIL REJECTS BACKHOE PURCHASE
Employing an unusual parliamentary procedure, the council narrowly rejected the Mayor’s recommendation to purchase a John Deere backhoe from Erb Equipment at a cost of $100,000. Mayor Kelly said the city’s current backhoe is 17 years old and has “a lot of hours on it.” While the machine is operable, Kelly said it is showing signs of wear and could soon be out of service.
He said the new backhoe could be purchased without bidding because the price offered by Erb is a state bid. First National Bank, Benld, was prepared to finance the purchase at an interest rate of four percent, resulting in monthly payments of $1,599 over a period of five years.
“My recommendation would be that we do it,” Kelly said.
But some aldermen questioned whether assuming additional debt would impact the city’s chances of securing an IEPA loan for the proposed water project. Vander Haar said the agency would look at debt incurred by the city’s Water Department when considering the application. Under the proposal, 30 percent of the backhoe purchase would come from Water Department funds.
Vander Haar said a $30,000 liability probably would have minimal impact on the loan application.
Brought to a vote, the council tied 3-3. Ald. Jim Tilashalski, Robinson and Tucker voted “yes,” Ald. Bernot, Cooper and Brian Frensko voted, “no.” Mayor Kelly then broke the tie with a “yes” vote.
Bernot then urged Ald. Tilashalski to “recall” his motion. On reconsideration, Tilashalski joined Frensko, Cooper and Bernot in voting “no,” defeating the motion.
CAHOKIA STREET WATER LINE
On a motion by Bernot, the council voted to spend $2,394.40 for materials only to extend a six-inch water line along Cahokia Street between Central Avenue and Maple Street. Midwest Meter, Edinburg, is the vendor.
“There are homes out there that are in Benld and do not have fire protection,” Mayor Kelly said. “I feel strongly we should have fire hydrants out there for our residents, plus there is land out there that could be developed someday.”
CITY PARK RENTAL RATES
The council unanimously approved a revised contract and fee schedule for renting city park facilities.
Rental fees are set at $75 for the city park, $50 for the ball diamond and $50 for the city gazebo. In addition, renters will be required to post a $75 cleaning deposit and a $150 property damage deposit, both of which are refundable following a post-event inspection. Renters who plan to serve alcohol during their event must pay a $150 non-refundable fee for Dram Shop insurance. Events involving 250 or more guests must provide their own trash vendor.
City park facilities are available to rent for the weekend after Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31. Ball diamonds can be rented any time no league games or practices are scheduled.
POLICE DEPARTMENT COPY MACHINE
Council members agreed to purchase a copy machine for the Police Department from NCI Business Systems, Springfield, at an approximate cost of $1,300, plus a $275 annual service agreement. Council members directed city officials to investigate whether NCI would offer a price break if the city buys two machines—one for the Police Department and one for City Hall.
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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.
