Community News
Gillespie Council seats Ottersburg replacement
City Attorney Kevin Polo (left) swearing appointed Colin Mussatto to finish Ottersburg’s term.
The 24-year-old grandson of long-time Wilsonville Mayor Jim Mussatto was sworn in and seated Monday night to replace the late Gus Ottersburg as Ward 4 alderman on the Gillespie City Council. Early in the council’s regular monthly meeting, Mayor John Hicks introduced Colin Mussatto as his choice to finish Ottersburg’s term, which expires in 2017.
Mussatto’s appointment was ratified unanimously on a motion by Ald. Jerry Dolliger, seconded by Ald. Janice Weidner. Immediately after Mussatto was approved, he was sworn in by City Attorney Kevin Polo and seated. Prior to seating Mussatto, Treasurer Dan Fisher asked to take Ottersburg’s former seat at the head of the council table opposite the Mayor, surrendering his former seat on the south side of the table to Mussatto.
Among Mussatto’s first actions as a council member was to join Weidner in voting “no” to a series of six resolutions authorizing expenditures from the city’s Tax Increment Finance fund to pay bills associated with rehabilitating the former United Community Bank building on Macoupin Street at Chestnut for use by the Illinois Coal Mining Heritage Museum.
[pullquote]I want to see if I can follow his lead[/pullquote]A life-long resident of Gillespie, Mussatto is a graduate of Gillespie High School and is employed by R.P. Lumber Co. in Litchfield. He is a grandson of the late Jim Mussatto, who served for many years as Mayor of Wilsonville. Mussatto said his grandfather’s legacy was one of the reasons he decided to accept the appointment.
“I want to see if I can follow his lead,” Mussatto said.
The vacancy on the council was created by the death of Ottersburg, 65, on Friday, March 4, shortly over two years into the four-year term to which he was elected in 2013.
ILLINOIS COAL MINING MUSEUM AT GILLESPIE
In other action Monday night, the council focused on work being done at the former UCB building to make it environmentally safe to house the Illinois Coal Mining Heritage Museum and narrowly approved the transfer of more than $1,700 in funds earmarked for museum from the city coffers to the museum itself. The council also discussed bids that are expected to be received on Thursday for environmental abatement work at the building. Monday night’s meeting was continued, rather than adjourned, to 6 p.m., Thursday, so council members can consider those anticipated bids without having to call a special meeting for that purpose.
City Treasurer Fisher recommended transferring $1,711.59 remaining from a $4,000 appropriation approved by the council for the Coal Museum project when the Coal Museum Committee was still organized under the auspices of the city. The planning committee has since been abolished and its members appointed to the board of directors for the not-for-profit museum. Fisher said the city originally appropriated a total of $8,000–$4,000 for the first year and $4,000 for the second year–for the museum project. Out of the first year’s appropriation, the city approved expenditures of $2,288.41, leaving a balance of $1,711.59.
Fisher pointed out that committee members “have done a lot of work on the building,” and he recommended transferring the funds to the board of directors.
Brought to a vote, the measure was approved with Weidner and Mussatto voting no.
City Attorney Polo then advised that two of the council members who voted in favor of the measure–Ald. James Alderson and Ald. Dave Tucker–sit on the museum board and should abstain from voting on a measure to essentially transfer funds to an entity for which they serve on the board. On Polo’s recommendation, the council then rescinded the action and voted on the measure a second time.
Brought to a vote a second time, Alderson and Tucker abstained, Weidner and Mussatto voted no, and Ald. Frank Barrett, Roger Dively and Jerry Dallier voted yes. Mayor Hicks joined in the vote, casting an affirmative vote, approving the measure by a vote of 4-2. Ald. Steve Kluthe was absent.
Later in the meeting, Weidner and Mussatto also opposed resolutions authorizing the expenditure of $750 from the city’s TIF Fund to EnviroLife Consultants for inspecting for mold and asbestos at the UCB building, a $300 bill for preparing bidding specifications for contractors to bid on the abatement project, and two bills totaling $1,875 for Flowers Sanitation to haul debris removed from the building. Ald. Dolliger joined Weidner and Mussatto in voting against using TIF funds for the Flowers Sanitation bill.
Weidner and Mussatto also voted against a resolution to use TIF funds to pay a $3,200 plumbing bill for work done to prepare the former Grandone Building in the 100 block of West Pine Street for occupancy by the Gillespie Police Department.
SEWER WORK ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
The council directed City Attorney Polo to prepare a draft contract for property owners to sign when city workers are summoned to work on defective sewer lines associated with private properties. Ald. Dolliger reported that city workers went to a residence on South Street after property owned Robert Brown complained at last month’s meeting of the council to complain about water backing up into his basement after heavy rains. At the time, Brown insisted the cause of the back-ups was a problem with the city’s sewer main.
Dolliger said workers surveilled the line with a video camera and found the city’s main to be free and clear. However, further investigation revealed that the connecting line from Brown’s house to the main was clogged with roots. According to Dolliger, city workers dug up the private line, removed the roots and reburied it. Generally, homeowners are financially responsible for private sewer lines connecting to the sewer main, while the city is responsible for the main itself.
[pullquote]I think we need to charge him something[/pullquote]“I think we need to charge him something,” Dolliger said, but admitted he had not advised Brown he would be responsible for the cost of the repair.
The council took no immediate action on assessing a fee for the work done at the Brown residence, but directed Polo to write a contract for homeowner’s to sign before such work is conducted in the future.
“We have to be consistent,” City Treasurer Fisher said. “On cases like this, we probably should draw up a contract for them to sign.”
The contract should spell out the property owner’s responsibility for private sewer lines, Fisher said, “requiring the property owner to pay the city or hire a private contractor for work on their own line.” In addition, the contract would include provisions allowing city workers to enter onto private property in the event the property owner chooses to have them do the work.
SURPLUS PROPERTY BIDS
After some hesitation, the council voted to accept high bids for several pieces of equipment that had previously been declared surplus by the council.
Mayor John Hicks (right) introduced Colin Mussatto as his choice to finish Ottersburg’s term.
A total of six individuals submitted bids for various pieces of equipment. Steve Spencer was the high bidder for a John Deere tractor equipped with a backhoe loader and a Massey Ferguson tractor with a bid totaling $4,406. Larry Norville was high bidder for a welder with a bid of $349.49, and Donald Harbison submitted a bid totaling $50 for a trash pump and generator.
Initially, Public Works Chair Dolliger suggested deferring action until the council’s continued session on Thursday night, noting he was at fault for two quotes for trade-in value on some of the equipment that did not make the deadline for submitting bids. He moved to reject all bids but later withdrew his motion when Mayor Hicks pointed out the bids in hand amounted to more money than any of the trade-in values. Dolliger also reported that a used zero-turn diesel 60-inch mower is available for purchase for $7,000 at Nail Equipment and that he would like to put the approximately $5,000 resulting from the sale of surplus equipment toward purchasing that piece of equipment. Polo pointed out, however, that no action could be taken toward authorizing that purchase because it was not part of the agenda for the meeting.
RECYCLING EQUIPMENT LEASE
Following up on previous action by the council, the council voted unanimously to approve the language of a lease agreement to lease the city’s recycling bins to the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp for one year for $1 per year. IVEDC’s rehabilitation program for disabled adults plans to use the equipment for a project for its clients. Clients will provide curbside drop-off for recyclable materials during the day at the Walnut Street Gardens facility. During the evening, the bins will be accessible across the street at the IVEDC rehabilitation center.
Also, following up on previous action, the council formally approved an ordinance regarding housing inspections for rental properties. After receiving input from local landlords, the council revised the ordinance to waive the requirement for annual inspections if the landlord can provide documentation that the property is continuously occupied by the same tenants. In such instances, an inspection will be required before new tenants move in after the previous tenants vacate the premises. The ordinance approved Monday night includes a revision to require a “current” utility bill as proof of residency. An older version required a utility bill from the previous 30 days. The newly approved ordinance also includes an exclusion for mobile home parks that are subject to inspection by the state.
Mayor Hicks reported to the council that the Macoupin County Housing Authority has plans to raze public housing units located on Gillespie Street at South Street because the units no longer meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The units currently are vacant, according to Hicks. He said MCHA asked that the city provide a letter of support for the project so the agency can proceed with the demolition.
LAKE LOT LEASES
Council members approved a lake lot lease transfer for Lot No. 401, which is accessible only by boat, to Jim and Misty Woodson. Also approved was a lake lot lease transfer for No. 1 Old Pumphouse Road to Gregory and Karen Carr. Both lots will be part-time residences only.
In a related matter, the council heard complaints from lake resident Angela Faulkner who objected to the level of maintenance in the area of her residence on Pumphouse Road. She said a roadway to her residence is starting to erode down the hillside and that vacant lots in the area are not being mowed. Her concerns were referred to the Lake Committee.
In other action, the council:
- Agreed to pay a $136,769 bill to Baxmeyer Construction for work done on replacing two culverts in the city.
- Agreed to hire Fleming & Tawfall, CPAs, to perform the city’s annual audit at a cost not to exceed $11,500.
- Agreed to donate $100 to the Gillespie High School Post Prom event.
- Agreed to pay $200 in dues to continue membership in the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Association.
- Agreed to purchase a replacement clarifier for the city’s water treatment plant at a cost of $2,241. Ald. Dave Tucker noted that repairing the old unit would have cost $2,159.
- Agreed to pay the city building inspector approximately $500 for building inspections performed last year. Future payments will be based on an hourly wage.
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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.
