Community News
Gillespie Council hires full-time police officer, approves Gerdes detective assignment
Mayor John Hicks signs the audit presented by Brenda Masters-Stout, an account with Flemming-Tawfall Certified Public Accountants.
A reticent Gillespie City Council on Monday night concurred with Police Chief Jared DePoppe’s recommendation to make Laurie Gerdes’ assignment as detective a permanent position, and to hire a full-time officer to essentially fill Gerdes’ former assignment as a patrol officer and reduce the need for overtime to fill vacant shifts. Making Gerdes’ assignment as detective comes at the conclusion of a six-month trial period to determine whether or not having a full-time investigator was effective.
In other action, the council accepted the city’s annual audit and authorized City Attorney Kevin Polo to enter into negotiations with the Laborers Union to hopefully resolve a grievance regarding health insurance coverage without going to arbitration.
Both DePoppe and Ald. Steve Kluthe, Police Committee Chair, recommended permanently assigning Gerdes as detective and promoting T.J. Rakey from a part-time officer to a full-time position. Gerdes was appointed detective in June on a temporary basis to serve a six-month trial to determine whether or not a permanent assignment was warranted. From June to the end of December, DePoppe said, Gerdes has been involved with investigating nearly 45 criminal cases, the majority of which have been resolved. She also has been responsible for organizing and maintaining the Police Department’s evidence room to ensure a proper chain of custody for evidence. “Cases are won or lost on evidence,” DePoppe said.
In addition, DePoppe said Gerdes has covered Sunday patrol shifts when needed and provided back-up on an as-needed basis. She also has taken on responsibility for maintaining the city’s sex offender registry and parole list, which has resulted increased compliance among sex offenders registering when required and an increase in the collection of registration fees.
Prior to Gerdes’ reassignment, DePoppe said he alone had been responsible for investigations in addition to his other duties as Police Chief. He also noted the position is not new. The position existed six years ago when DePoppe was hired as police chief, but it has remained vacant.
[pullquote]In my opinion, as chief, I feel the need to continue this position[/pullquote]
“In my opinion, as chief, I feel the need to continue this position,” DePoppe said.
City Attorney Kevin Polo openly wondered about whether the change would require the city to renegotiate aspects of the city’s contract with the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing local officers. Polo expressed special concern over hiring a full-time officer, essentially adding a full-time employee to the Department’s head count. Polo suggested the union may expect the newly created full-time position to be permanent, which could create issues if the city later determines to eliminate the position for cost management.
DePoppe said the FOP agreed to allow Gerdes to serve as detective for the past six months because it was a “temporary” arrangement. Regarding Rakey’s potential hiring as a full-time officer, Kluthe pointed out that he must serve a one-year probationary period before becoming eligible to join the union. If the city opted to eliminate the position before the end of the probationary period, the union would have no standing to object.
“I don’t think it’s safe to say there will be no complications with FOP,” Polo commented. “My concern is about whether there will be an expectation that staffing will continue at that level.”
DePoppe told the council Rakey has served as a part-time officer for the past year and has completed required Police Academy training.
“He has done very well as a part-time officer,” DePoppe said. “I think he has proven he can handle the responsibilities of a full-time officer.
As the discussion continued, Ald. Kluthe asked DePoppe specifically about the number of cases that had been resolved as a result of Gerdes’ work. DePoppe said he did not have exact numbers with him, but said that “most” of the cases Gerdes had worked on have been solved. Kluthe then asked DePoppe to bring a detailed report to the next meeting of the Police Committee.
“I think we have to prove that because she’s working these cases that we are getting dispositions,” Kluthe said.
Before the issue came to a vote, however, City Treasurer Dan Fisher noted how hiring a full-time officer could impact the city’s overall budget.
[pullquote]After this hiring, I would recommend a moratorium on hiring until we have a financial plan in place.[/pullquote]
“We’ve got a cushion of 100 grand,” Fisher said. “Hiring a full-time employee with benefits is about $40,000. That’s almost half of what we have to work with, and there is no way to get it back. I’m not saying we shouldn’t do this, but sometimes we have to look not only at the need but also at the means. After this hiring, I would recommend a moratorium on hiring until we have a financial plan in place.”
Fisher said hiring an employee for the water department would be somewhat different because the city has the power to increase water rates to cover personnel salaries.
“I didn’t speak out to be against what you’re wanting to do,” Fisher said. “This particular hiring is different because it happens to be a department where we don’t have the ability to make up that money.”
Ald. Kluthe noted that making the detective assignment permanent without also hiring a full-time officer could result in continued overtime costs.
“We have been very proactive in hiring,” Kluthe said, adding the Police Department has maintained a roster of trained part-time officers from which to hire full-time officers when needed without having to incur additional costs for training. Managers with other city departments, he alleged, have not been as aggressive about limiting overtime costs as the Police Department.
Ald. Jim Alderson pointedly questioned whether it would be fiscally feasible to hire a full-time officer. Further, he questioned the need for two separate motions when the two issues were so closely linked.
Ultimately, Ald. Kluthe moved to have Gerdes continue in her position as detective, and Ald. Dave Tucker seconded. Alderson voted “no.” Ald. Janice Weidner asked the clerk to come back to her when she was asked to vote. After the rest of the council voted, Weidner reluctantly voted “yes,” along with Ald. Tucker, Kluthe, Jerry Dolliger, Frank Barret and Diane Brickey.
Kluthe’s follow-up motion to hire Rakey as a full-time officer, also seconded by Tucker, was approve 6-1 with Alderson voting “no.”
CITY AUDIT
Without taking a formal vote, Mayor John Hicks signed documents accepting the annual city audit following a brief presentation by Brenda Masters-Stout, an account with Flemming-Tawfall Certified Public Accountants. Though Masters-Stout did not specifically mention the auditors’ findings, the audit presumably gave the city a clear opinion regarding its accounting procedures.
Masters-Stout said she is working with personnel in the City Clerk’s office to convert the city’s accounting procedures to the popular QuickBooks computer accounting program.
“I’m really excited about that,” she said. “I think it will improve transparency.”
Mayor Hicks also noted that switching to QuickBooks will reduce the amount of time clerical workers spend on accounting tasks and will make the annual audit go smoother.
[pullquote]Mayor Hicks also noted that switching to QuickBooks will reduce the amount of time clerical workers spend on accounting tasks and will make the annual audit go smoother.[/pullquote]
The bulk of Masters-Stout’s comments focused on the city’s financial condition at the conclusion of the last fiscal year. Cash on hand for governmental accounts amounted to $922,172 as of April 30, 2017, compared with $342,340 six years earlier in 2011. Total assets for governmental accounts totaled about $1.9 million, compared to $1.3 million in 2011. With $78,299 in long-term liabilities, the audit projected $1.8 million in equity for governmental accounts.
Governmental revenues totaled $1.4 million, with expenditures of about $1.5 million.
Both revenue and expenses for governmental funds were “similar” to the previous year, according to Masters-Stout.
Business type accounts, which include water and sewer accounts, reported revenue of slightly more than $2 million, with liabilities of about $1.1 million.
Masters-Stout reminded city officials that some of the money included in the business-type accounts is restricted, such as Motor Fuel Tax funds that can be spend only for street and bridge purposes. With grants and loans anticipated for the city’s upcoming $10 million water infrastructure improvement project, Masters-Stout said the city will be dealing with even more restricted funds than in the past.
“With your project coming up, you’re going to see that more,” she said. “Even though you have the cash, you’ll be restricted as to how you can spend it.”
The council approved the hiring of TJ Rakey as a full-time police officer.
Regarding the city’s financial position, Masters-Stout said, “I think you’re doing good.” She said she was surprised a few months ago to conclude that it was financially feasible for the city undertake the water infrastructure project. “I still think that,” she said.
City Treasurer Fisher praised Masters-Stout’s presentation, taking note of the long-term comparisons shown in her summary sheet presented to the council.
“If you remember when Brenda came onboard, that’s when we started to get this so we could make year to year comparisons,” Fisher said. While the audit showed a sound financial condition for the city, Fisher warned that the margin between revenue and expenditures is relatively thin. “We operate at about a 92 to 93 percent ration. That means we have a 10 percent or less gap between revenue and expenditures. When we look at new expenditures, that’s something we have to keep in mind. We have relatively little ability to increase revenue.”
Masters-Stout agreed. “You have very little control over your general revenue,” she said. “You do have some control over your water and sewer rates.”
LABORERS UNION GRIEVANCE
Following a 40-minute executive session to discuss personnel and possible litigation, the council voted unanimously to approve an unspecified modification to the city’s collective bargaining agreement.
With one dissenting vote cast by Ald. Weidner, the council also authorized City Attorney Polo to attempt to negotiate a resolution to a grievance filled by the Laborers Union. Mayor Hicks said the union had proposed a possible resolution and it’s believed the city can negotiate a resolution without going to arbitration. The grievance, according Hicks, has to do with health care insurance coverage.
DUMP TRUCK
On a motion by Ald. Dolliger, the council voted to accept a bid from Rush Truck Center, Springfield, for a new International dump truck to replace an aging dump truck currently owned by the Public Works Department. The city will spend $95,553 for the truck body and chassis, plus $55,155 for a stainless steel bed. The truck will come equipped with a salt spreader and snow plow. The city was able to authorize the purchase without seeking competitive bids because Rush Truck Center holds the state bid to supply trucks for the Illinois Department of Transportation. The pricing offered to the city is identical to the pricing the company offers IDOT under the state contract.
Ald. Brickey offered the only negative vote, citing concerns about warranty details.
CHEMICAL BIDS
On the recommendation of Water Plant Operator Don Shuey, the council accepted chemical bids for 2018. Shuey presented low bidders as follows: Brenntag Group: Aluminum, $394 per dry ton; chlorine, 33 cents per pound; and carbon, 8.95 cents per pound; Hawkins, Inc.: Ammonium sulfate, 35 cents per pound; and Water Solutions Unlimited: Potassium permanganate, $2.90 per pound; and flouride, 32 cents per pound.
Shuey described the bids as similar to last year’s.
“A couple of the high dollar items went down a little this year,” he said. “Most of them remained about the same.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved an ordinance authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Gillespie and the Village of East Gillespie regarding the city’s upcoming water infrastructure improvement project.
- Approved the appointment of Kathy Ruyle to the Gillespie Public Library Board. Ruyle will replace long-serving board member Denise Wirth, who resigned because she no longer resides in the city.
- Agreed to rent a pump to pump water out of pits dug to repair water main breaks with an eye toward purchasing a new pump at a later date. Ald. Dolliger said city workers have had problems displacing enough water from major water main breaks in order to make repairs. In some instances, the city has brought in fire trucks to supplement pumps in removing water. “Having a $200,000 fire engine out there is not the right thing to be doing,” Dolliger said. “Rent one tomorrow (Tuesday),” Mayor Hicks told Dolliger, “then we will look into buying one.”
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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.
