Community News
Gillespie Council moves forward on new TIF district, tables action on Canna Theater for second time
Gillespie City Council members on Monday set a public hearing on a new proposed Tax Increment Financing district for 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 14, at Gillespie City Hall. Keith Moran of Moran Economic Development, participating in Monday’s meeting via phone, said the hearing will collect comments from interested parties, including persons living in the proposed district or within 750 feet of its boundaries.
Additionally, after a lengthy, sometimes contentious, discussion, the council tabled for the second time action on whether or not to accept the donation of the former Canna Theater from the Illinois Assemblies of God Church.
Moran told council members the boundaries of the Gillespie TIF 2 had been adjusted to include Big Brick Park at the request of Ald. Landon Pettit, chair of the council’s Parks Committee. Including the park required Moran to include other areas near the park to ensure that all portions of the district are contiguous. That expansion, Moran said, will not only expand the opportunity for capturing revenue for the district but also expand the area in which the city could pursue TIF-funded projects during the life of the TIF district.
Pettit specifically asked to include Big Brick Park last month, saying he hoped the city could use TIF funds for needed upgrades at the park. Later in Monday night’s meeting, he asked that the appropriation for parks be increased next year to authorize expenditures needed to upgrade the park. Replacing playground equipment, he noted, would cost a minimum of $24,000—a sum that far exceeds the annual appropriation for parks.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city’s hands are tied because the tax levy for parks is restricted by tax caps. Mayor John Hicks suggested the possibility of creating a Park District as a separate taxing body, but Pettit suggested it would be difficult to get public support for a referendum. Likewise, according to Fisher, shifting a levy, such as the Municipal Band levy, to parks would not be possible without a public referendum.
The newly proposed district also is contiguous to an existing TIF district encompassing the downtown business district that is set to expire in 2026 if not renewed. Making the two districts contiguous, according to Moran, will facilitate transferring TIF funds from the old district to the new one when the old district is dissolved.
Moran said the new district is “residentially based,” focusing on developing lots currently owned by the city or school district on the west side of the city. Those lots currently are exempt from property taxes. Tax Increment Financing districts generate revenue by capturing increases in property tax collections within the district over the life of the TIF—meaning the total tax bill for formerly tax-exempt properties will go into the TIF purse.
Within the proposed TIF district, Moran said, there also are opportunities to upgrade sub-standard housing units, extend utilities into undeveloped areas to promote development and possibly spur commercial development on Broadway and Route 16 in the area of Community Unit School District 7 schools.
Moran also noted some undeveloped property on the south side of the city that is not currently within the city limits that could be included in the TIF district if the city chooses to annex those properties at a later date.
Once the city fulfills the public hearing requirement, it is expected the council will formally approve the TIF district map and plan, and submit a request for state approval to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
CANNA THEATER
The council again tabled action on whether or not to accept the donation of the former Canna Theater from the Illinois Assemblies of God Church organization.
Ald. Wendy Rolando, who chaired a committee to investigate the structural stability of the building and possible uses for it if the city takes possession, moved to accept the donation. Her motion, however, failed to secure a second.
“My concern is that we keep tabling and tabling and tabling,” Rolando said. “What I foresee happening if we don’t take it, the church has already told us they’re washing their hands of it. If we don’t take it, it’s going to continue to deteriorate and eventually it’s going to end up being our problem. I think it’s in the best interest of the city to accept the building.”
Two structural engineers have declared the building sound but the city is awaiting a report from a third engineer hired by the city to evaluate the building. Several aldermen said they were unwilling to vote for taking the building without having the report from the city’s engineer in hand.
“The only way I would vote for that,” said Ald. Bob Fritz, “is if the motion has a provision in it to raze the building if the engineer’s report says it needs to come down.”
“I understand wanting to see the report before we decide what we’re doing with it,” Rolando said, But she said the fate of the building is a secondary decision to be made after the city takes possession. “I think it’s a simple yes or no question. Then we can do steps two and three and four. We’ve waited and waited and waited and we have a town waiting for a decision.”
A preliminary plan for using the building calls for the potential expenditure of TIF funds to stabilize the structure, after which volunteers would be responsible for cosmetic work to facilitate the building becoming an entertainment venue. Ald. Fritz reported Monday night that volunteers have been already working in the building despite the city having not yet taken possession.
“Once we take it, it’s going to be secured and nobody is getting in,” Mayor Hicks said, noting the city would be liable for any injuries sustained by the volunteer workers.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said that because of the current condition of the building the city probably would be able to buy liability insurance only, and would not be able to purchase property insurance. He said an engineer hired by the city is expected to examine the building before the end of the month but questioned whether or not the engineer’s report would be available in time for the council’s February meeting. “We might have it in time,” he said, “we may not.”
“I think we’re too short-sighted,” Fisher said of the council’s resistance to investing TIF funds in the project. “We have a good track record of taking buildings no one else wanted and turning them into something positive.” He cited the Maple Street Clinic and the Illinois Coal Museum as examples of “white elephants” that have become assets.
Still, Ald. Bill Hayes objected to the idea of spending TIF money on the theater, saying those funds might be better used to encourage Randy’s Market to reopen.
“Aren’t we getting the cart before the horse?” Ald. Dona Rauzi asked. “Our first step is to accept the building and then decide the next step.”
Ultimately, Mayor Hicks and some aldermen successfully argued that the decision should be delayed pending receipt of the engineer’s report. They seemingly suggested the current owner should be held responsible for the cost of demolishing the building if the engineer’s report indicates the building is unsafe.
“It could be a very viable venue for entertainment,” Hicks said, “but we need that engineer’s report. Get the report first. If the report says it’s not worth a nickel, then we go to the church and say it’s a derelict building and it’s up to you to do something with it.”
Earlier in the meeting, city resident Kelly Hatlee addressed the council in favor of accepting the building. “I think it’s in the best interest of the city to take it now when no cost is involved, rather than have to fight for it in court later,” Hatlee said.
The council also tabled action on an ordinance to raise city water rates and resolutions to increase sewage rates for East Gillespie and Eagarville. City Attorney Dan O’Brien said he discovered after the items were added to the agenda that the city’s contracts with its satellite water and sewer customers require a public hearing prior to taking final action. Upon his recommendation, the council set a public hearing on the issues at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 14, immediately prior to the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
WATER ISSUES
The council took no action on a request from Tim Loveless to waive tap-on fees for a home he is buying on Henrietta Street. As part of the closing, Loveless said, it was discovered the city had a lien against the property for an unpaid water bill. Loveless said he paid the lien as part of the closing costs, but also found there was no water service to the home.
Loveless said the Deputy City Clerk told him the house was skipped during the city’s extensive water infrastructure replacement project because the house was vacant at the time. She told him he would have to pay a $350 tap-on fee to restore water service to the residence.
“I wouldn’t say I’m here to dispute that but it doesn’t seem right,” Loveless said. He pointed out that he gave the city an easement for water lines on other property in Gillespie at no charge and paid off past due bills for several houses he has purchased in the past.
City Treasurer Fisher told Loveless the USDA rules allowed workers to only connect houses that were currently occupied. He said there were several houses that were not connected in addition to the one on Henrietta Street. USDA financed the project through its Rural Development program. “We could only connect houses that would be generating revenue to pay back the loan,” Fisher said.
While making no formal decision, the council left the door open to consider waiving the fee.
“I think we could work with him if he pays the old bill,” Ald. Pettit said, noting the $400 past due bill exceeds the $350 tap-on fee.
“The first step is to pay the old bill,” Fisher said.
Loveless said he paid the old bill as part of his closing costs and that the city should soon receive a check from the title company.
In other action related to the Water Department, the council:
- Voted to pay a $7,671.60 bill to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc., for engineering work related to planned improvements at the water treatment plant.
- Agreed to spend $24,500 for new blow down control panel at the water treatment plant, provided the equipment meets the approval of the engineer.
- Agreed to pay a $175 registration fee, plus lodging expenses and per diem, for Dave Pickett and Mark Bertolis to attend a three-day water conference in Effingham.
Ald. Pettit also reported that a preliminary “dry-run” to read water meters remotely was successful and the Water Department has switched to radio reading of meters. The meter reading process will now take one day, compared with the two-week period manual reading required. Consequently, Pettit said, some customers may see fluctuations in their monthly water bills.
TALLMAN LEASE
The council directed City Attorney O’Brien to approach Adam Tallman with a proposal to purchase a parking lot area behind the Police Department after O’Brien revealed that terms of a lease-to-own agreement had been changed after Tallman consulted with his bank. Originally, Tallman had offered to lease the property at a cost of $500 per month with the lease payments applied to the purchase of the lot at the end of the lease.
O’Brien said a new agreement offered by Tallman called for a two-year lease at a cost of $500 a month with an option to purchase at the end of the lease. The lease payments, however, would not have applied to the purchase.
Mayor Hicks said he’d be unwilling to commit the city to two years of lease payments “and have nothing to show for it.”
“At this point, I think we let him take it back,” Hicks said. “We’ve already put money into it.” He asked O’Brien to pursue the possibility of an outright purchase.
YOGA SESSIONS
The council informally granted permission for Candi Katchmar to use the Civic Center for weekly yoga classes. She told council members she tentatively planned to offer the hour-long classes at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays.
She said the program would be offered on a donation basis to cover her expenses, similar to a yoga class she currently offers in Benld.
“We have four or five participants in Benld but I anticipate more interest as the weather gets warmer and word gets around,” she said.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted unanimously to hire Dean Anderson as a full-time police officer.
- Adopted an ordinance formally adopting redrawn boundaries for the city’s four wards. Last month, City Attorney O’Brien outlined the boundary adjustments that were required to more precisely equalize the population in each ward on the basis of the 2020 census.
- Agreed to pay for sending a part-time police officer for state police academy training once a part-time candidate is hired.
- Authorized city workers to remove a deteriorating concrete wall at the Gillespie Lake Beach, authorized Lake Manager Gary Thornhill to seek bids for electrical work at the lake and approved expenditure of up to $1,500 to replace the decking on the Lake Department’s work boat.
- Approved a resolution to increase non-union employee wages by the same percentage as approved for union workers, with a provision ensuring that all wages are in compliance with minimum wage laws in the future.
- Approved payment of $3,471.37 from the TIF fund to Verticchio Law Offices, representing a facade improvement grant. The amount authorized represents 50 percent of the project’s total cost.
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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.
