Community News
CUSD 7 District tax levy under consideration
A historically high inflation rate is allowing Community Unit School District 7 to levy the maximum amount allowed under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL). PTELL, approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts taxing bodies from increasing their annual tax extensions by no more than five percent of the previous year’s extension or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The CPI, essentially the rate of inflation as determined by the Department of Commerce, has never exceeded five percent since 1996, the year PTELL became effective in Macoupin County. This year, with inflation soaring to seven percent, CUSD 7 and other Macoupin school districts will be able to seek a five percent increase in their property tax revenue.
“In the past, we’ve been stuck with the CPI,” Supt. Shane Owsley told members of the Board of Education during the panel’s regular monthly meeting Monday night. “This year for the first time we’re able to go for five percent.”
Typically, the CPI has ranged from a low of .7 percent to up to 2.3 percent in 2020. Last year, the CPI was 1.4 percent meaning the amount of taxes collected for 2021 could not exceed the previous year’s extension by 1.4 percent.
Board members voted unanimously to adopt the tax levy resolution calling for a levy of $3,561,741 for 2022 property taxes collectible in 2023. Last year’s extension, the amount of money actually received from property taxes, amounted to $3,186,897. Because the proposed levy exceeds last year’s extension by more than five percent, the district is required to publish a public Truth in Taxation notice and conduct a public hearing.
The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19, during the board’s December meeting. That meeting is scheduled a week earlier than normal to ensure the levy is adopted in time to submit it to the County Clerk by the last Tuesday in December, the deadline for filing tax levies.
Owsley reminded board members of the difference between the levy and the extension, noting that the levy is the amount of money the board is requesting. The extension, on the other hand, is the amount of money the district actually receives after the County Clerk determines the tax rate and applies it to the district’s total equalized assessed valuation.
With the extension capped at a five percent increase, the district would receive no more than $3,375,869.
Other factors affecting the tax extension include the district’s total equalized assessed valuation, which is expected to increase but no one knows by how much. Last year, the EAV increased by 10.41 percent, according to data Owsley presented Monday night, but the average increase over the past eight years has been 2.81 percent—the figure Owsley used to project next year’s EAV for his calculations.
Because of increases in the EAV, the district’s tax rate has actually crept downward, according to Owsley, from $4.17 in 2020 to $3.65 last year.
Further limiting the tax rate are rate limits set by law for each of the district’s major operating funds.
Because of PTELL and rate limits, Owsley said it is not possible for the district to overtax property owners. However, setting the levy too low would not only cost the district money for the coming year but also established a diminished baseline on which subsequent levies would be based.
“The levy is a Christmas list,” Owsley said. “You put everything on it you possibly want, knowing you’re not going to get it all. But if you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it at all. We ask for the moon and beyond knowing it’s not going to overtax individuals because it is formula-driven. We’re not going to get anything more than what we’re entitled to because of the rate limits.”
Broken down by fund, the proposed levy seeks to generate $1,568,864 for the Education Fund, $410,370 for Operations and Maintenance, $166,244 for Transportation, $37,722 for Working Cash, $109,322 for IMRF, $98,890 for Social Security, $222,459 for the Tort Fund, $30,395 for Special Education, and $917,475 for the Bond and Interest Fund.
Owsley also reminded the board that CUSD 7 is a Tier I school district, a state designation that reflects the district’s funding status. CUSD 7 is 69 percent adequately funded, according to Owsley, and receives Tier I state funding to help make up the difference. Because some of the district’s Evidence-Based Funding is calculated from the basis of the district’s Tier designation also makes it important to levy the maximum amount allowed, Owsley said. Next year it is possible that the district will reach 73 percent of adequate funding, boosting the designation to Tier II.
A detailed presentation on the proposed levy is on file at the District Office for public review or can be viewed online on the district’s website.
DISTRICT REPORT CARD
During a presentation regarding the annual school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, board members learned that Gillespie Middle School has been upgraded from a Targeted school to a Commendable school based on student test scores. The designation essentially means the school has no underperforming student groups.
For the past four years, the district has worked with consultants from the American Institute for Research (AIR) to develop and implement school improvement plans to boost student performance and test scores.
“It was not an easy process,” Owsley commented. “Now that we’re off that list, we want to do whatever we can to stay off it.”
For elementary and middle school students, the report card is based on results of an Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) given each year to determine students’ academic performance levels. For high school students, the report card is based upon SAT test scores collected from juniors and seniors.
Newly hired Middle School Principal Patrick McGinthy extended kudos to the leadership team that implemented the school improvement plan.
According to the report card, 21.4 percent of GMS students met or exceeded state standards in English and language arts last year (8.7 points below the state average), compared with 19.04 percent a year earlier. In math, 21.4 percent of GMS students met or exceeded state standards (4.1 points below the state average), compared with 16 percent last year. The takeaway, according to McGinthy, is that GMS student performance is improving in response to school improvement plans.
McGinthy said the report card data is a “snapshot” of student performance on a particular day when the test was given but does not reflect the overall picture regarding student academic growth. In both English/language arts and math, more than 30 percent of GMS students are lumped into a category for students “approaching” the state standards. The report card, McGinthy said, does not reflect the number of students who are on the cusp of reaching the standard.
“These bar graphs don’t necessarily show the growth in each segment of our student enrollment,” he said. He said data shows student growth or improvement is at 50 percent. “That’s a significant number.”
“While we’re designated a Commendable school, we are still required to implement the third year of the school improvement plan,” he said. “We will continue with the plan because clearly it is working.”
High School Principal Jill Rosentreter, who was Middle School Principal when the school landed on the Targeted list, said the school became a Targeted school because of underperformance on the part of students with individualized education plans, formerly known as special education students. She spent a year working with teachers and AIR consultants to develop the school improvement plan that was implemented the following year.
“IEP students showed the greatest deficit and now show the greatest growth, so kudos to them,” Rosentreter said.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper reported for BenGil Elementary School, noting the report card shows elementary students “are moving in the right direction.” At the elementary level, 19.2 percent of students met or exceeded standards (10.9 points below the state average), compared with 14.9 a year earlier. In math, 22 percent of elementary students met or exceeded state standards, compared with 7.2 percent the previous year and a state average of 25.5 percent.
Cooper attributed the dramatic increase in math scores to a newly implemented math curriculum that is better aligned with the IAR test.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the report card showed an anticipated dip in performance for high school students attributed in part to the fact that the year-to-year comparison references different groups of students. The elementary and middle school assessments generally track performance for the same group of students from one year to the next.
In English/language arts, 26.3 percent of high school students met or exceeded state standards, compared with 27.5 percent a year earlier and a state average of 29.8. In math, 16.3 percent of high schoolers met state standards, compared with 28 percent who met or exceeded state standards a year earlier and a statewide average of 28.8 percent. In science, 42.7 percent of students met or exceeded standards, compared with 42.4 a year earlier and a statewide average of 51.1 percent.
The report card shows a drop-out rate last year of 7.5 percent, which Rosentreter characterized as a “significant concern.” The local drop-out rate is double the state average of 3.4 percent.
Owsley said one factor contributing to the drop-out rate was the COVID pandemic and the nature of the district’s local economy.
“We had a lot of students who started working to help support their families and did not come back after COVID,” Owsley reported.
Owsley said the district is taking proactive steps to improve test scores this year.
The district is utilizing MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) to determine the level of students’ academic performance. “We can’t help students get to where we want them to be if we don’t know where they currently are,” he said.
Additionally, teachers are encouraged to focus on state standards as a basis for teaching strategies. “We have to make sure that what we are teaching corresponds to state standards,” he said. Last year, he said he and administrators noticed that students consistently missed a math question on the IAR test. “We went to our math teaches and what did they say? They said we don’t teach that until later in the year. So the solution is simple. You teach that concept earlier.”
The district is implementing an IXL intervention program that creates individualized learning programs for students and has implemented an IXL intervention program in science at the high school level. High school classes are emphasizing preparation for SAT testing in specific classes and GHS juniors will take a practice SAT in February. Additionally, classes are engaging in IAR preparation district-wide.
One issue teachers and administrators have encountered is that the assessment tests are administered online and most students are accustomed to taking tests with pencil and paper. To that end, teachers are working to make students more comfortable with computerized testing.
“The data is what it is and I’m not making excuses,” Owsley said. “The important thing is what we are doing to address these issues.”
PERSONNEL
Following an hour-long executive session, board members voted unanimously to hire Kaylee Collins, Alton, with a tentative assignment as a speech and language pathologist, pending a check of certification and background. Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in 2020 from Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., and is expected to receive a master’s degree in communication disorders in December, also from Truman State University. The speech and language pathologist position has been vacant since the beginning of the current academic year.
The board also approved maternity leave for Assistant Principal Tara Cooper, tentatively set for Feb. 3 through April 13.
Board members voted to accept “with regret” the resignation for retirement purposes of Lisa Heyen, effective Dec. 31. In a related matter, the board also voted to post vacancies for two six-hour and two three-hour cook positions.
Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of Nathan Wise as an assistant football coach, effective Nov. 7, and to post the assistant coaching position as vacant.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board agreed to an intergovernmental agreement with the Area Career Center in Litchfield which will enable GHS students to attend classes at the facility. The vocational center will operate under the auspices of Lincoln Land Community Center but Owsley said Lewis and Clark Community College reportedly has an agreement for the center to accept students from the LCCC district.
Owsley said he recently attended an event announcing the development of the center during which representatives of both colleges indicated it would accept students from the LCCC district.
“We’re going to hold them to that,” he said.
Students attending the center will be able to earn college credits through LCCC.
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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.
