Community News
CUSD 7 School Board Meeting 3/28
A pending Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the building of the new Elementary School took center stage at the CUSD #7 School Board Meeting held Monday night in Gillespie. Presenting the PLA to the board last month, Southwestern Illinois Building Trades and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary and Treasurer Dale Stewart was on hand at the latest meeting to try to clarify some concerns the board had expressed last month concerning areas of negotiation.
When asked last month whether the board would be able to negotiate any part of the PLA, Stewart replied that the contract was non-negotiable, which raised concerns for several members of the board. He returned to Monday night’s meeting to further press his case for adopting the PLA for the upcoming $22 million dollar project.
“The concern that board has had was the fact that we asked the question in the last meeting was the contract able to be negotiated and talked about and the answer was no,” said board President Rusty Bilbruck. “That was a stumbling point for us.”
“As far as our PLA, the reason why we do our PLA the way it is, we don’t negotiate it, is because it’s a sound agreement, a positive way to do things. Because everyone we do business with says, ‘we all want the same deal” is all we’re asking is for the same deal,” explained Stewart.
Board member Bill Carter asked if, as an example, the horticulture class wanted to do some of the landscaping as a class project, would that be allowed. “We’re not asking, I don’t think anybody was ever asking, to have our shop class go and be the carpenters,” continued Carter. “Or have Mr. Goldasich go in there and have his class wire the whole school. That was not the point. But I think the point would be, going out on a limb here for cUSD 7, it would be nice if our horticulture class go out there and partake in the landscaping process, as an example. Whether or not they would do that, I don’t know, I’m not going to speak for that teacher, but we felt our hands were tied and we wouldn’t be able to do that.”
After Stewart indicated that some items, like landscaping, could be worked out, the discussion turned to passing the PLA.
“I don’t think there’s anybody at this table who doesn’t want to see as many local personnel, everybody to be local, if we could hire every person out of the hall and put them to work on this project, that would be great, that’s what we’d all love to see. They’re all local taxpayers, or in the region, anyway,” stated Board Member Dave Griffel. “An older lawyer, who I respect very much out of Carlinville…I asked him ‘What do you think about the contract?’ and his response was, ‘A contract written by that person usually tends to favor that person.’ And without proof of negotiation…you’re bringing us the contract and saying ‘No negotiation. You sign this, period.’ This is not solely your contract, you’ve come to agreements, but that concerns me.”
“This is what really confuses me with you folks. You’re really putting more into this than should be. You’re not signing it. You’re not signing the agreement,” said Stewart. “The contractors who will be working here, I’m sure, if you go to a big contractor, they’ve worked under this agreement. So it’s nothing new to them. But you’re not going to be responsible, you’re just signing a resolution to saying we’re going to enter that and you’re letting the contractors know…..They’ll like it. It’s leveling out the field for them. They know exactly what they’re all bidding against,” Stewart went on. “If there’s no PLA there, then where is the fairness and honesty going to be? ….That’s all we do, we go out and chase the fair contract, we chase contractors that don’t pay wages and benefits, people that come from out of state, out of the area. Is that what you want? We want to try to get as many people from this area working on this project.”
“We want to put everyone to work, number one thing,” Griffel responded. “My concern is, a non-negotiable contract. Here it is, sign it, or else. That’s a struggle for me.”
“I support unions, and I want local people to work,” added board member Mark Hayes, “but I have problems with what you just said, that if we sign it, we’re not responsible. We’re taxpayers in this community, we were elected by the taxpayers, so we are responsible.”
“What I was meaning, Mark, was these people have worked under it, they know what’s in that agreement,” said Stewart. “Because, you know what, there’s nothing in that agreement that could cause trouble. All that’s in my agreement spells out this wages…with the wages already there…You’re not going to have any strikes on this job, everything’s going to go and get done, and there’s not going to be any hold up. You would think that’s what you would want, the best bang for your buck, as stewards for this money, you would want that protection, to make sure you get this job done, and done on time.”
After more discussion, Hayes indicated that consulting an attorney would be the best course. “I think that would be fair,” said Griffel. “I mean, this is a document that you’ve had several lawyers look at, several lawyers negotiate, then for us to sign it without having legal representation would be….I think we need to have it reviewed for our purposes.”
“There’s nothing than CDB (Capital Development Board) what you’re getting your money from,” countered Stewart. “If the CDB was overseeing this, there would be a PLA on this, on this project, and it’s the same one through the whole state of Illinois. They don’t negotiate every area they go to. It’s one agreement for the whole state. Check with the CDB, they’ll tell you. That’s where you’re getting your money from, ask them. And it’s just like the other PLAs they have for the state highway work, which you’re involved with, Mark [Hayes]. It’s one agreement, I don’t care if you’re in Cairo or Chicago. It’s the same agreement. The reason why is, that way everybody is dealing on the same page….We have a standardized agreement.”
“We’re as comfortable with having as many local people as possible work. I can’t say that enough, that we want local unions do the job,” said Griffel. “Our concern is signing a contract that’s been reviewed by several lawyers that our lawyers haven’t reviewed, affecting the largest building project in the history of our district. I think we’d be fools to sign it tonight, and endorse it tonight, without any legal counsel look at it. He may very well say, there’s no worries, do this, but without that blessing, I struggle, that we’re doing something that affects that project. I’m just not comfortable doing it without that. I wouldn’t do it in my own personal business without having a lawyer look at it.”
In the end, the board instructed Supt. Skeans to take the PLA to a labor attorney for review to determine that the contract would not hurt the district, and he also indicated that he would contact to the CDB as well. The board also confirmed that they would resolve the PLA issue at the April 18 board meeting, before any bids for grouting work would be awarded.
Also on hand was school board candidate Peyton Bernot, who addressed the board concerning several district consolidation measures currently before the state legislature. Although he did not express a position on the issue himself, Bernot was interested where the board stood on consolidating with nearby districts. Board member Dave Griffel stated the board had not taken a formal position, either in support of or against such a measure. “Personally,” Griffel went on to say, “I have a problem with anything top-down. I think if anything should be done it should be from the bottom up [districts taking action on their own as opposed to state-mandated action]….Eventually it will probably have to come, it has throughout the years, but I don’t necessarily welcome it. There’s other options, as I’ve stated before, but as a board we’ve taken no formal stance on that.” The board went on to decline to formalize a position.
During the Superintendent’s Report, Supt. Paul Skeans took the opportunity to address public concerns over the possibility of adding an Assistant Superintendent position, a process set to be formally addressed after July 1. Under the plan, current High School Principal Joe Tieman would become Assistant Superintendent, current Dean of Students Dennis Tiburzi would become High School Principal, and current Middle School Language Arts teacher Mike Bertagnolli would become Dean of Students. Skeans stressed the shifting of positions would not increase administrator’s salaries. Salaries for Tieman and Bertagnolli would not increase, while Tiburzi’s salary would only reflect additional months of work not required by his current position. In fact, the only increase in spending would be the hiring of a new Middle School Language Arts teacher, but only if the district could not adjust a currently-employed teacher’s schedule to cover the class.
He went on to explain that due to the collective bargaining agreement in place with the educator’s union, positions must be posted internally first. If, and only if, no acceptable candidate is found internally can the district post the position to external candidates. Skeans expressed his opinion that those candidates chosen were some of the best he had worked with and he was confident that they were the best candidates in southern Illinois. Skeans went on to clarify that he would still be carrying out all his current duties as Superintendent, as well as acting as a mentor to Tieman and as Owner’s Representative for the construction of the new elementary school. Tieman’s focus as Assistant Superintendent would include curriculum and student services, duties Skeans considers “sorely needed.”
A member of the public attending the meeting expressed concern that some administrator’s salaries would begin to be drawn from the Building Fund. Skeans explained that had yet to be determined, but even if the board did decide to do that, there would be no net loss of money, as that money spent from the Building Fund would be preserved in the Education Fund. He went on to say that if the construction and outfitting of the new school would be hurt by that action, he would oppose it, but at this time, the building budget had not been set for the new school’s construction. If possible, the district plans to use the Capital Building fund to pay the salary of the Owner’s Representative, but again, no budget had been formally set for the school’s construction.
As part of the new school’s construction, Skeans announced the drilling of the last six bore holes to be complete. Investigators determined the mines beneath the site of the new school to be 372 feet deep and dry, which the proper stabilizers in place. The old hand-drawn maps proved to be mostly accurate, only off by no more than 10 feet in some places. Certain areas will need to be grouted, but crosshole radar work is slated to be completed by Friday, April 1. The results must then be analyzed, a process that could take four to six weeks. At that point, architects will be able to determine the final footprint of the school that will minimize areas of the mine that will need to be grouted, which is an expensive process.
Supt. Skeans also went on to advise the board and the attending public that after consulting with County Clerk Pete Duncan, the board will not learn the official results of the upcoming school board elections until after Tuesday, April 19 in order to ensure that all absentee ballots have been received and counted. The deadline to finish canvassing and certify the results is Tuesday, April 26. Due to spring break, the board will move up their April meeting to Monday, April 18. As a result, the board will either have to wait until the regularly scheduled May meeting to recertify and reorganize the board, but may be forced to convene a special meeting earlier. Skeans informed the board that as of Monday night’s meeting, he did not know if that meeting would be necessary but would inform the board as soon as that information was available.
In addition, Supt. Skeans informed the board Mark Tebbe had confirmed a donation of approximately $13,000 to The Partnership for Educational Excellence to be used to create an IPad mobile lab at the Elementary School. According to Skeans, the lab would be used to enrich students’ education and provide teaching resources for staff. As part of the agreement for the donation, the school will match funds up to $5,000 to hold an inservice for staff to learn how to use the equipment. Skeans went on to explain he would write a formal letter of thanks to Tebbe for the donation, on behalf of the school district and the board.
During his Principal’s Report, High School Principal Joe Tieman asked the board to consider investigating creating a 30-minute 8th period by shaving four minutes from the other periods and one minute from pass times. This 8th period, which would not extend the school day, would be used to give targeted, intensive tutoring to struggling students. All teachers would be available to tutor students in math, english, and other areas. Sophomore, junior and senior students with a strong grade point average would be able to leave early if they chose, or high-achieving students who carry a full classload could use the time to do homework or study. All freshmen would be required to attend and would not be allowed an early dismissal. The time could be used to address several areas of concern, explained Tieman. For example, the High School has a “huge issue” with students completing homework assignments, said Tieman, going on to explain that once students leave the school, they have no control over the students and their work. In addition, students recovering from extended absences due to illness or other concerns will be able to use the time to catch up on schoolwork and make up exams.
Tieman stressed that he was not asking the board to approve the change, but to allow for the possibility and allow him and his staff to explore the idea further and begin hammering out details and procedures. The Hillsboro and Morrisonville school districts currently have similar programs in place, according to Tieman.
In addition, Tieman highlighted several academic and extracurricular achievements made by GHS students over the last month. These include: a 2nd place finish for the Scholastic Bown at their regional tournament; WYSE students Dallas DeMartini’s 2nd place finish in Math and 3rd in Chemistry while Connor Whitley finished in 2nd in English, qualifying them both for state competition; Makenzie Buckner was named Illinois Principal Association Student of the Year; Brianna Bednar was named winner of the Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizen Award; Future Farmers of America saw six students place at a public speaking competition, including Junior Varsity members Kyle Reid (2nd), Erinn Karlak (2nd), Shelby Heyen (3rd) and Stephanie Hartke (5th) and Varsity seniors Jonathan Griffel (2nd) and Scott Schardan (2nd); three sold out performances out of four of “Guys And Dolls” by the GHS Chorus; three students, Samantha Wasylenko, Loni Manalia, and Jonathan Griffel, named All-Conference Basketball, and 20 students whose artwork is currently on display at the Coffee Xpress cafe in Litchfield.
During her Principal’s Report, Elementary Principal Angela Turcol informed the board the staff would be welcoming Nancy Stewart, author of “One Pelican at a Time” which educates children about the recent Gulf oil spill. In addition to reading the book for the Kindergarten and 1st Grade students, she will also conducting activities for the remaining elementary school students, including a Powerpoint presentation for 4th and 5th Grade students. Turcol went on to announce the Elementary School teachers would be reading “What Great Teachers Do Differently” by Todd Whitaker and would host a book study during their next monthly staff meeting.
In other action, the board voted to rehire the following tenured High School teachers for the 2011-2012 school year: Holley McFarland, High School Physical Education and Health; Mary Kirk, Secondary Campus Media Specialist; Rick Spencer, Welding and Agriculture; Beth Zehr, Business and Computers; Jack Burns, Social Studies and Drafting; Trudy Giaudrone, English; Dennis Tiburzi, Dean of Students; Margaret Fisher, English; Robert Macias, Physical Education and Driver Education; Casey Sholtis, Social Studies; Jennifer Brown, Social Studies and Driver Education; Jeff Nehls, Science; Connie Whitehead, Mathematics and Science; Mark Goldasich, Construction Trades; Mike Sauerhage, Band; Jerry Rosentreter, Art and Communications; Troy Barker, Mathematics and English; Joni Paine, Guidance Counselor; and Michelle Smith, Science.
Also rehired for the 2011-12 school year and given tenure in the High School were: Nicole Stoecker, English; Angela Brink, Secondary Vocal Music; Kadie Benz, High School Mathematics; and Katie Dierkes, Spanish.
Rehired for High School 2011-12 positions were: Don Borgini, Physical Education; Amy Goldasich, English; Kelly Bulla, Resource; and Andy Easton, High School and Middle School Business and Computers.
In the Middle School, the board voted to rehire the following tenured staff for 2011-12: Deb Olsen, 6th grade Science; Casey Willmann, 6th grade Language Arts; Karen White, 6th grade Math; Jarrod Herron, 6th grade Social Studies; Kyle Lamore, 7th grade Science; Stephanie Wilson, 7th grade Language Arts; Mike Bertagnolli, 7th grade Social Studies; Jill Rosentreter, 8th grade Science; Matt Brawner, 8th grade Math; Kim Henderson, 8th grade Social Studies; Jeremy Smith, 8th grade Social Studies; Mike Blotna, Physical Education; and Stephanie Bray, Physical Education.
Also rehired for 2011-12 Middle School positions were: Tammy Garde, Special Education Resource; and Daniel Edgerton, 7th grade Math.
In the Elementary School, the board voted to rehire the following tenured staff for 2011-12: Don Throne, Guidance Counselor; Barb Schmid, 1st Grade; Susan Tiburzi, 1st Grade Title I; Gail Niehaus, Pre-Kindergarten; Gayla Crites, 4th Grade; Kellie Vesper, 2nd Grade; Tracy Petersen, 3rd Grade; Lorraine Strutner, 3rd Grade Title I; Kimberly Link, 2nd Grade Title I; Sharon Schwab, 5th Grade; Jody Dunn, 2nd Grade; Gail McGowan, Special Education; Leanna Sawyer, Music; Melissa Bussmann, 4th Grade; Trasy Hostettler, Kindergarten; Darrick Orban, 3rd Grade; Dana Tieman, Kindergarten Title I; Sharon Wernle, 4th Grade; Lana Odorizzi, Physical Education; Beth Rull, 2nd Grade; Carrie Scott-Palmer, 1st Grade; Kara Saracco, Special Education; Kelly Lyons, 3rd Grade; John Wiemers, Physcial Education; Holly Nejmanowski, Kindergarten; Jennifer Parker, 5th Grade; Anastasia Henderson, 1st Grade; Cate Plovich, 3rd Grade; Amy Price, 1st Grade; Nickie Barrett, 2nd Grade; Jessi Luketich, 1st Grade; Mindy Savant, 2nd Grade; Casey Niehaus, Kindergarten; Karissa Smith, 5th Grade; and Donna Easton, School Nurse.
Also rehired for the 2011-12 school year and given tenure in the Elementary School were: Beth Sies, Speech Language Pathology; and Valerie Barrett, 4th Grade.
Also rehired for the 2011-12 Elementary School Positions were: Marci Johns, 5th Grade; Colleen Favre, 3rd Grade; Celia Jubelt, Kindergarten; Jami Verton, Kindergarten.
The board also accepted the following resignations, effective at the end of the 2011 fiscal year: Nicole Stoecker as High School Student Council Sponsor, Jeremy Smith as Assistant High School Football Coach, Holley McFarland as Assistant High School Volleyball Coach, Adam Schulte as High School Volunteer Assistant Soccer Coach. In addition, the board voted to appoint Joe Kelly as the new High School Volunteer Assistant Soccer Coach, with board member Jenny Alepra voting “present”.
The board also rehired High School coaching staff for the 2011-12 school year, including Girls’ Basketball Head Coach Kevin Gray and Assistant Coach Andy Easton; Boys’ Basketball Head Coach Terry Allan, Assistant Coach Casey Sholtis, and Freshman Coach Dennis Tiburzi; and Cheerleading Head Coach Melissa Bussmann and Volunteer Coach Tabitha Miller.
In addition, the board voted to approve maternity leave for two teachers: Nicole Stoecker from May 9 to 25, and Beth Sies from April 26 to May 25.
The board also voted to “honorably dismiss” the following school aides: Nicole Zenner from the Pre-Kindergarten; Amy Baker, Theresa Carter, Sharon Heyen, and Misty Parker from the Elementary School; Trinity Bray-Jett, and Tim Wargo from the Middle School; and Ella May Roemer and Kathy Wheeler from the High School. At the close of each school year, the board must release any aides. The aides are generally rehired at the beginning of the new school year, depending on available funding.
In other business, the board voted to:
recognize the full state recognition of all three attendance centers, citing no areas for improvement, continuing a trend of the last several years.
set the next school board meeting a week early, for Tuesday, April 18, to accommodate spring break.
approve the Transportation Safety Check report and send it to the state.
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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.”
Comments
The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
