Community News
CUSD #7 board turns down 2 consolidation requests
Hayes explains the consolidation request from Carlinville and Litchfield.
On Monday evening, October 24, school district #7 school board denied two requests to consolidate high schools. The school board received their first reorganization request from Litchfield and their second one from Carlinville. Carlinville sent the same request three years ago when the Benld Elementary was condemned. Mark Hayes opened the discussion up for board members since Mr. Skeans had no comment to make about the consolidation. Hayes described the move as a high school only move. “They don’t want our middle school or elementary students, they just want our high school kids,” Hayes said, “They want numbers, they are in the red, and they are in debt.”
Peyton Bernot expressed his issue with Litchfield, “Litchfield is in Montgomery County and they are not subject to PTELL [Property Tax Extension Limitation Law] and with that, I don’t want to burden our taxpayers with their debt.” PTELL was passed by a referendum in Macoupin County in 1992 and is lacked in Montgomery County. Essentially, they can levy any amount they see fit. Hayes responded that he agreed with Bernot and went on to reemphasize, “They just want our numbers.” Griffel’s main concern with both Litchfield and Carlinville was the busing of the students as “industry is leaning toward technology.” Griffel went on to suggest that technology is the answer instead of moving bodies. “Wouldn’t it be easier to have a web teacher that can teach a classroom of kids via a room with drop-down microphones,” Griffel suggested, “This would make a lot more sense as technology continues to advance.”
Skeans agreed with board members as he is going to deny both of these requests and move forward with our “financially sound” district, but also agreed on sending a letter to Bunker Hill per Bernot’s request. Bernot suggested for CUSD #7 to send a letter to Bunker Hill and express our concern in a consolidation request. After further discussion and under Griffel’s recommendation, Skeans said he would draft a letter and send it the school board of Bunker Hill explaining that we are still interested in their school population and our offer is on the table. “I don’t think we need to say what the benefits are or anything else,” Griffel recommended, “We just need to say our offer is still on the table and to contact us when you are ready.”
Under personnel issues, the school board voted 5-1 to hire Neil Balzraine as custodian for CUSD #7. With the only oblige coming from Peyton Bernot, the school board approved Balzraine who already has experience in the school district from prior custodian employment.
Joseph Tieman explains the school report cards.
In new business, the school board authorized the adoption of a resolution 6-0 for the annexation of Ben-Gil Elementary into the municipal limits of the City of Gillespie per ILCS 5/6-1-14. The board also approved the sale of their surplus property that rests in the town of Henderson. “This property has been surplussed in Henderson which consists of about 11 lots,” Hayes mentioned, “It is actually been a cost to the school district and I believe there are horses grazing on it now.” After a 6-0 vote, the motion was carried and the school board will sell the property to the highest bidder.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman presented the school report cards to the school board Monday evening. “I would caution you against data,” Tieman explained, “It can be used any way you want it to be used.” Tieman went on to explain that as a district, reading scores increased 4.7% while math scores increased 2%. The district was unable to meet AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). Benld Elementary’s reading scores increased 5.6% while their math scores increased 10.1%. Only white and economically disadvantaged met AYP in reading while all students met AYP in math. Gillespie Middle School’s reading scores jumped 4.6% while the math scores fell 4.6%. Again in the middle school, white economically disadvantaged students did meet AYP in reading but the school did not meet AYP in math. In the high school, reading scores increased 2.5% while math dropped 1.3% and neither subject met AYP in the high school.
According to Superintendent Skeans, barrier grouting will be completed this week at the new school site. “We are finding where we have to build the barriers,” Skeans said. Barrier grouting will be complete this week on the south side to permit infill grouting to begin. According to Skeans, the infill grouting will run to the barrier grouts and fill. The barrier grouts have to be tested before and that has already been done. The infill grouting, which is set to begin this week, will take approximately two weeks to be finished. Foundation and structural steel will take about 4 weeks to get the steel fabricated and delivered to the site. Structural steel will be able to be set in mid-December and will take place until the end of January, according to Skeans.
The October bills were approved and paid under the consent agenda. The bills which total $116,426.02 are as follows:
- $75,311.15 – Education Fund
- $29,228.61 – Building Fund
- $11,886.26 – Transportation Fund
Administrators from each school building then updated the school board of the current status of their school:
Mr. Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, advised the school board that the month of September attendance was 94.7% and first quarter grade reports were sent home with the students. Tiburzi recorded that 49% of the students achieved honor roll. Per grant money obtained from the Illinois Department of Transportation of the amount of $2,000, Tiburzi explained the grant money will go to the MPACT’D program to fund various projects throughout the year. In other high school news, parent teacher conferences will take place this Thursday and Friday (October 27 & 28). In sports news, Tiburzi congratulated the volleyball team on first place in the Prairie State Conference which is the first time in 15 years. Finally, Tiburzi went on to say the football team will complete in playoffs this Friday.
Ms. Lori Emmons, middle school principal, advised the school board that 62% of students made honor roll in 8th grade, while 67% achieved it in 7th grade and then 58% in 6th grade. Board member Bill Carter asked to compare our standings to other schools around since “the public is always comparing us to everyone else.” Emmons went on to say it was just honor roll and is not comparable to able to be compared to other schools in the nearby area. In other news at Gillespie Middle School, the Gold Canyon Candles fundraiser was a great success. Emmons closed with the boys basketball program, their first game will be on Halloween (October 31) in Carlinville.
Ms. Angela Turcol, elementary principal, explained to the school board that $646 was made off the bake sale from the past Saturday for the Promethaean boards. With Dr. Michael Haggerty’s $4,000 donation, the school has enough for 2 boards and $1,000 to their next two, according to Turcol. Turcol went on to say the Halloween Parade for the students will be at 1:00pm on October 31 at the track. Parents and community are welcome to attend.
IMACT'D and Student Council update the school board on what they are doing and what they have planned.
Taylor Monke and Katie Stromsland then updated the board on MPACT’D, the safe driving group in the high school. According to Stromsland, this is the 5th straight year MPACT’D has obtained the IDOT grant for the amount of $2,000. The group is also set to participate in AT&T “It can wait”. This project is directed toward students who take a pledge to not text while driving, “it can wait” is referring to the text message. MPACT’D is going to participate in the “Act out Loud” grant, according to Taylor Monke. The Act out Loud grant has 3 stages. Monke also mentioned that the group will host a ‘Road to Reality’ at the school along with a driver’s education night for parents and students to participate in. The group will continue to do seat belt checks at the school and compute the data recorded from the checks.
Elise Newman represented student council at Monday night’s meeting. Newman explained that student council has accomplished “quite a bit” this year and provided insight for more events that are planned. According to Newman, student council is planning a “Faculty of the Month” program along with a “Teacher Favorites” to recognize the faculty. Student council will continue to decorate the halls for Christmas and have a lock-in one night during Christmas break.
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FELONIES
Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with a December 28, 2024 incident.
Donavon M. Holmes, 24 of Benld, is charged with felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 11 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of forgery/making/altering a document in connection with a February 10 incident.
Bradley S. Watters, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a March 12 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, is charged with unlawful possession of a knife in connection with a March 9 incident.
Tonya L. Pfeiler, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with theft control/intent (<$500) in connection with a March 1 incident.
Timothy A. Dugger, 23 of Palmyra, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 29 incident.
Dalton W. Branham, 27 of Springfield, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 23 and January 29 incident.
Crystal A. Holland, 50 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a January 18 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 59 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a February 13 incident.
Mark B. Bersch, 68 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with February 4 incident.
Robert D. Lindsey, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a March 3 incident.
Thomas W. Gray, 35 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a February 26 incident.
Ronnie E. Reyes, 40 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a March 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Bethany E. Robinson, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year, passing a school bus while loading/unloading, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with a February 27 incident.
Timothy R. Galston, 46 of Harvey, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 11-14 mph above the limit in connection with a March 2 incident.
Hector R. Herrera Pena, 39 of Guadalupe, NL, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with a March 4 incident.
Stephen L. Barrick, 50 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 2 incident.
Kyle L. Stiltz, 32 of Virden, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a February 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Angela M. Berndt versus Travis E. Berndt
- Melissa K. Porter versus Kevin W. Porter
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Bunker Hill – Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill is excited to announce a rummage sale taking place on Thursday, March 20, Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22. The sale will be held at the church located at 609 East Warren Street in Bunker Hill. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Illinois Valley Meals on Wheels in Macoupin County, a vital program that prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily to those in need across three counties.
Donations for the rummage sale are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off at the church’s north entrance starting Monday, March 17. Items of all kinds are appreciated, and your contributions will directly support the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensure that nutritious meals reach our community members.
The sale will run from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday and then 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday, making it convenient for everyone to stop by and find great deals while supporting a crucial service in our area.
For more information about the rummage sale or how to donate, please contact Jane Baker at 618-973-2666.
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FELONIES
Bryer D. Greff, 30 of Virden, is charged with retail theft (<$300) with a previous conviction in connection to a March 1 incident.
Michael J. Weaver, 34 of Carlinville, is charged with methamphetamine delivery (400<900 grams), possession of methamphetamine (400<900 grams), and felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 3 incident.
Patrick D. Greer, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with burglary and theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 23 and March 3 incident .
Brian H. Duff, 50 of Alton, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Allison S. Cisco, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 1 incident.
Andrew C. London, 19 of Wilsonville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with a March 5 incident.
Shelby L. Veach, 23 of Staunton, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee and criminal damage to property in connection with a December 16 and December 21 incident.
Robert J. Zumwalt, 43 of Livingston, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a December 21 incident.
TRAFFIC
Andrew J. McDaniel, 56 of Littleton, CO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 23 incident.
Connor E. O’Brien, 25 of Riverside, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 24 incident.
Anthony M. Reed, 29 of Fayette, MS, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a February 22 incident.
Patrick M. Nejmanowski, 58 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a February 25 incident.
Michael A. Coates, 49 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a February 16 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Palmyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 25 incident.
Jessica M. Jenkins, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 24 incident.
Jason L. Peter, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 22 incident.
Matthew D. Knick, 21 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on suspended license in connection with a February 27 incident.
Julia A. Schall, 68 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a February 27 incdient.
Amy N. Gomer, 39 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 4 incident.
Dalton C. Bunyard, 32 of Wood River, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 28 incident.
Edward Tumpach III, 33 of Hillsboro, is charged with reckless driving, improper traffic lane usage, and disregarding a traffic control device in connection with a March 5 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Neil Ringer versus Whitney Ringer
- Christina Essington versus John Essington
- Scott Huddleston versus Jessica Huddleston
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