Community News
CUSD 7 Board of Education adopts new science curriculum for Middle School
Christina Blevins, sixth grade science teacher, outlines the new science curriculum.
Gillespie Middle School students will have new textbooks and a new curriculum for science when they start the school year in late August as a result of action taken during Monday night’s meeting of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education.
The $32,390 cost of the seven-year contract for the Pearson science curriculum is payable in three yearly installments, but where the money comes from to make those payments was left open to some conjecture. GMS Principal Jill Rosentreter told the board she is willing to make the annual expenditure out of the school’s activity fund, a fund comprised of donations and generally used for field trips and similar expenditures. Supt. Joe Tieman, however, recommended that the district pay some, if not all, of the cost from the Education Fund once he has a better idea about the level of revenue the district can expect from the State of Illinois.
“I would hope we can fund this or at least fund part of it,” Tieman told the board. “I don’t want her (Rosentreter) having to fundraise for an academic program.”
[pullquote]It’s kind of like old school meets new school[/pullquote]On a motion by Peyton Bernot, the board voted unanimously to adopt the curriculum following a presentation by the three GMS science teachers. Seventh grade science teacher Kyle Lamore brought one of the school’s current science textbooks, pointing out that they are 16 years old, outdated and in need of being rebound. Comparing the issue to infrastructure maintenance, Lamore said the district could spend money to have the current textbooks repaired and still have an outdated curriculum, or invest in a new science curriculum that will better serve students.
Lamore said that when the teachers and GMS Principal Rosentreter began discussions about the new curriculum, they gravitated toward a program with an online emphasis.
“They said, ‘Let’s go digital’,” Lamore said, adding that the Pearson program relies on classroom work supported with online resources. Each year, students will receive a softbound workbook in which they can make notes and highlight information. In lieu of an actual textbook, teaching materials will be accessible online. Teachers will access the materials online for classroom discussion and demonstrations; students can access the material at home, using their smart phones, home computers or tablets. “It’s kind of like old school meets new school,” Lamore said.
The online resources, Lamore pointed out, are interactive and can be tailored to accommodate specific students’ reading and comprehension skill levels. Most units have videos embedded to illustrate key points. Students with low reading ability can even use a feature that “reads” the material to them.
[pullquote]The emphasis on online learning, Blevins said, is an advantage “because that’s where our students live.”[/pullquote]Christina Blevins, sixth grade science teacher, told the board the Pearson curriculum can be customized to prepare students for Illinois State Science Assessment testing as well as PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career). Each unit, she said, features a “STEMQuest” activity related to the material presented in that unit. The activities are inquiry-based and “promote higher thinking,” according to Blevins. The units also feature investigative laboratory activities giving students hands-on opportunities to explore key concepts. Activities are “differential” in nature so they can be geared to match a students’ academic performance level.
The emphasis on online learning, Blevins said, is an advantage “because that’s where our students live.”
Rosentreter said going with a seven-year contract will reduce the cost of workbooks from $27.50 for a one-year commitment to about $18. The $32,390 cost of the program is based on an average of 100 students per grade, or a total of 300 students. Rosentreter said she negotiated with the company to pay the cost of the program in three annual installments due annually for the first three years of the contract.
PERSONNEL
After an executive session of one hour and 15 minutes, board members voted unanimously to place BenGil Elementary Principal Angela Turcol, GMS Principal Rosentreter and GHS Principal Lori Emmons on the “appropriate salary schedule” for the 2016-17 school year. The measure translates into a salary increase of 2.88 percent, which is consistent with salary increases provided to teaching staff.
In other personnel action, the board:
- Hired Kaylee Cox as GHS cross-country coach and Robin Niemeyer as an assistant cross-country coach for the 2016-17 school year, pending certifications and background checks.
- Accepted the resignation of Kenna Moats as GMS cheer coach and hired Moats as GHS cheer coach for the coming school year. The board also voted to post the GMS cheer coach position as vacant.
- Appointed Bradley Clark as a volunteer assistant high school football coach, pending certification and a background check, for the coming school year, and posted vacancy for an assistant football coach for the 2016 season.
- Hired John Ulery as a substitute school bus driver, pending certification and a background check.
- Accepted the resignation of Christina Blevins as prom sponsor and posted the position as vacant.
- Accepted the resignations of Amy Goldasich and Kelly Bulla as National Honor Society sponsors, and posted the positions as vacant.
INSURANCE
The board approved the district’s employee health insurance policy with Blue Cross-Blue Shield with a rate increase of 6.07 percent. Tieman said the company originally offered to renew the policy with an 8.2 percent increase in the premium, but the district’s insurance agent was able to negotiate the increase down to 6.07 percent, which translates into an increase of $49,000. He said anticipated a rate hike of at least five percent in a plan to reduce deficit spending by $700,000, which was approved by the board earlier this year.
Under the renewed policy, employee contributions will increase from $9 monthly to $12.
Tieman said Blue Cross-Blue Shield offered an alternative policy that would have increased the district’s cost by only $12,000, but impose much higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for covered employees. Under the alternative policy, deductibles for employees would go from $1,000 to $1,500 per individual, or from $3,000 to $4,500 for families. Out-of-pocket costs would go from $3,000 to $3,500 per individual, or $9,000 to $10,000 for families.
Tieman noted that the deductibles for employees have increased 200 percent over the last three years.
“Last year when we increased the deductible, the comment was made, ‘If we do this, can we expect that from our employees again in another year’,” Tieman said. “My recommendation is to stay with our current plan and absorb the $49,000 increase.”
[pullquote]If we keep the current plan, I think our contract negotiations will go better[/pullquote]Bernot, who serves on the district’s negotiating committee, said keeping the current policy in place could be a factor when the district negotiates a new contract with the teachers’ union.
“If we keep the current plan, I think our contract negotiations will go better,” he said.
On a motion by Bernot, seconded by Carter, the board voted unanimously to renew the policy with the 6.07 percent rate increase.
The board also approved renewal of a policy with KidGuard Insurance to provide student insurance for the coming school year with no increase in the premium.
Board members agreed to offer Catastrophic Insurance for students through Gerber Life at a cost of about $1,600. The coverage is a requirement for football players, but Tieman said the district discovered it could offer the coverage for all students at about the same price.
On a motion by Don Dobrino, seconded by Griffel, the board agreed to buy treasurer’s bond insurance from Brokers Risk at a cost of $4,515 for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
STATE BUDGET ISSUE
Tieman reported that the state government has again failed to approve a budget for the coming fiscal year, which could jeopardize school districts’ ability to operate. He said he and some teaching staff from CUSD 7 planned to participate in a rally on Wednesday at the Old Capitol Building in Vandalia calling upon the governor and legislature to approve a budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
“It’s kind of hard for us to budget when you don’t know what your state aid will be,” he said. “If there is no state budget for education by the July 18 board meeting, I will make a presentation about what that means for us.” If the state fails to approve education funding, Tieman said the local district could dip into cash reserves to start the school year and operate temporarily.
“We could be open four months without an education budget, but at that point we would have spent basically every penny we have,” Tieman said. “Let’s hope there is some movement in the next 72 hours or so.”
[pullquote]We could be open four months without an education budget, but at that point we would have spent basically every penny we have[/pullquote]Resident Don Rauzi addressed the board, asking about the status of the district’s lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad and about measures being taken to cut expenditures for sports programs.
Tieman told Rauzi the lawsuit has been remanded back to Macoupin County Circuit Court on appeal and the district is waiting for the court to set a date. Union Pacific appealed a $10 million judgment awarded by a jury two years ago to compensate the district for damage from mine subsidence.
“We haven’t won the lawsuit,” Tieman said. “We haven’t lost the lawsuit.”
Tieman also told Rauzi that a deficit spending reduction plan approved by the board is currently in effect. As a result, the board has declined to fill vacancies created by the retirement or resignation of teaching staff. The board, however, has avoided laying off teachers on the staff.
“We eliminated teaching positions,” Tieman said. “We didn’t eliminate teachers.”
Regarding sports programs, Tieman said the district has eliminated some contests, which reduces the amount the district has to spend for transportation and paying game officials. In addition, the board authorized increasing admission prices for students and adults. Those measures, while not enough to put the programs in the black, are expected to save the district $6,000 to $7,000 during the coming school year, according to Tieman.
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
Tieman asked for a board member to volunteer to serve on a Discipline Committee mandated under Senate Bill 100. The new legislation establishes protocols to reduce schools’ reliance on expulsions and suspensions for dealing with student discipline issues. To comply with the legislation, the district has to have a Discipline Committee comprised of teachers and community members that will meet a minimum of once a year.
He said the law does not require a board member to sit on the panel but that he would like to have a representative of the board included. He also said he hopes the Discipline Committee will choose to meet monthly, rather than annually, with the first meeting coming sometime in September.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Agreed to contract with Kohl Wholesale, Quincy, to provide food and non-food products for the cafeterias during the coming school year; contract with Prairie Farms Dairy, Carlinville, to supply milk products; contract with Flowers Bakery, Bridgeton, Mo., for bread and bread products; and contract with M & M Service to supply fuel. Each of the contractors were the low bidder obtained through a cooperative involving CUSD 7 and other nearby school districts.
- Approved student handbooks for the coming school year.
- Approved a state-mandated Wellness Plan that establishes address issues such as food allergies and nutrition.
- Approved a state-mandated Bullying Plan aimed at reducing instances of bullying by establishing protocols for reporting and responding to complaints of bullying.
- Approved a state-mandated Prevailing Wage resolution requiring the district to contract with companies that pay prevailing wages as established by the Department of Labor.
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FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
