Community News
Gillespie edges toward $10 million water project; approves $15 million appropriations ordinance
City Treasurer Dan Fisher summarized details of the new appropriation.
The Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved a $15 million appropriations ordinance—up about $10 million from last year—for the fiscal year that began May 1. City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the new appropriation, which sets annual spending limits for specific funds, is markedly larger than last year’s appropriation because it includes $10 million of expenditures in anticipation of undertaking a project to replace water lines throughout the city, as well as $200,000 to retire an existing loan before taking on the new debt. In a separate discussion, Fisher distributed to council members and financial analysis indicating the city could service the $10 million loan without raising water and sewers beyond the rate of inflation.
Approval of the appropriations ordinance followed a 10-minute public hearing prior to the regular council meeting during which City Treasurer Dan Fisher summarized details of the new appropriation. Excluding the $10,200,000 in anticipated expenditures for water system infrastructure improvements, the appropriation totals about $5 million—up about $300,000 from last year’s appropriation. While not technically a budget, the appropriation does set the maximum amount the city can spend from specific funds without amending the appropriation. Realistically, Fisher said the city’s operating budget amounts to about $3.2 million, though the appropriation provides a significant cushion in spending authority for most funds.
The Water Department accounts for the lion’s share of the appropriation total. Excluding the anticipated infrastructure expenditures, $1,687,750 is appropriated for the Water Department—up about $7,000 from last year. With the $10 million for the anticipated water system project included, this year’s Water Department appropriation comes to $11,8937,750. Other substantial appropriations include $780,500 for the Police Department (up from $754,000 last year), $489,660 for the Sewer Department (up from $487,660 last year), and $258,900 for General Administration expenses (up from $240,125 last year).
[pullquote]Fisher distributed to council members and financial analysis indicating the city could service the $10 million loan without raising water and sewers beyond the rate of inflation.[/pullquote]
On the recommendation of council members, the ordinance was amended to include $100,000 each for the construction of a new city garage and the purchase of a dump truck for the Street Department, bringing the total Street Department appropriation to $740,000, compared with $477,000 last year,
Additionally, the new appropriation sets spending limits of $39,820 for Elective and Appointed City Official salaries, compared with $37,700 last year; $57,000 for the Municipal Administrative Building, compared with $52,100 a year ago; $403,300 for City Lakes and Parks, compare with $398,800 for last year; and $21,000 for Emergency Services and Disaster management. The Public Library appropriation is unchanged from last year at $38,270. Likewise, the appropriation for Parks and Recreation Areas is the same at $43,500. A total of $3,000 is appropriated for the Municipal Band, $90,000 for participation in FICA, and $50,000 for Liability Insurance, all of which are unchanged from the previous year.
A total of $150,000 in expenditures is appropriated for the Motor Fuel Tax Fund, and $215,000 in expenditures is authorized from the Tax Increment Finance fund. Both are unchanged from the previous year.
“Most of the increases are largely due to what we foresee either through contracts, increases in salaries or increases in insurance,” Fisher noted.
With the inclusion of an additional $200,000 for the Street Department, the appropriation was unanimously approved later in the regular meeting on a motion by Ald. Steve Kluthe, seconded by Ald. Dave Tucker.
Following a presentation by Fisher, the council voted to retain the city’s outside auditing firm to review financial data to confirm the feasibility of the city’s ability to take on $10 million in debt to replace water lines city wide on a motion by Ald. Jim Anderson.
“I really think we should have outside eyes look at this,” Alderson said. “Forty years is a long way to look into the future. I would like to have our auditors look at this and make a 40-year projection. I think that would be prudent and I think it would be well spent.”
The action followed an extensive presentation by Fisher during which he reiterated his position that the city is in the position to borrow the money and undertake the project without having to raise water rates “for the foreseeable future” to service the debt. Fisher said his position is based on an analysis of the Water Department’s financial data and is contingent upon current interest rates. The city currently has the ability to borrow the money through the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program at an interest rate of two percent and with a payback period of 40 years. However, Fisher warned, interest rates could be increased as soon as next month, which would “derail” his projections for servicing the loan.
[pullquote]We have the ability to do a $10 million project without having an impact on our rates for the foreseeable future.[/pullquote]
“We have the ability to do a $10 million project without having an impact on our rates for the foreseeable future,” Fisher said. He acknowledged, however, that his analysis is based on current revenues and expenditures; declining revenue and/or increasing costs in the future could require a rate increase as early as 2024 or as late as 2026. To mitigate against that contingency, he suggested the possibility of adding a surcharge of 25 cents to 35 cents to customer water bills at the front end of the payback period.
“I’m not talking about 25 cents or 35 cents per 1,000 gallons, I’m talking about 25 cents to 35 cents period,” he said. A surcharge, he said, could generate about $50,000 per year to devote to debt service. “I think most people would be comfortable if we told them, ‘We’re going to replace all the water lines in the city and it’s going to cost you maybe 35 cents per month.”
Using a spread sheet based on last year’s operation, Fisher said the Water Department had $1.3 million in revenue, with about $913,000 in expenditures. About $203,000 of those expenditures—about 22 percent—were for servicing an existing Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan. The Water Department currently has sufficient funds to retire the IEPA loan with a single payment of $482,511, according to Fisher, and still end the fiscal year with more than $700,000 in the bank.
“Before this council took over, we lived a lot of years with less than $700,000 in the bank,” Fisher said. “I’m not suggesting that we go back to that.”
Annual payments on the USDA loan would amount to about $402,000 annually. For the first two years of the loan, however, the city would pay interest only of about $200,000 per year. The savings of $202,000 per year for the first two years basically would cover the cost of paying off the existing IEPA loan early, according to Fisher.
“It’s basically a wash,” he said.
Again, based on current numbers, Fisher said the Water Department would net about $80,000 per year while still making its loan payments to USDA.
“That’s with no rate increase,” he reiterated.
Using figures from the city’s annual audit, Fisher said the Water Department has netted $85,000 to nearly $230,000 per year after paying expenses since 2011. Paying off the IEPA loan would free up $128,000 per year that’s now directed to debt service.
“What I’m telling you is that five years ago, we could have funded this project,” Fisher said. “But we’ve lost five years.”
Going a step further, Fisher ran profit and loss scenarios based on a 3.5 percent increase in Water Department expenditures. If revenue remains stable over the next 40 years, Fisher said the city would not be forced to raise rates until 2026 even if the cost of operation increases by 3.5 percent per year. Under the same circumstances, the city would not have to consider raising rates until 2024 if revenue started to decline at a rate of one percent per year.
“I’m showing you this to show you that when I say something like we can fund a $10 million project without raising rates, I’m telling the truth—for now,” Fisher said. “But down the road we will have to do something.”
Fisher warned that the feasibility of financing the project could change dramatically in as little as a month. In July, USDA starts “pooling money,” Fisher said, meaning that the agency calls in all unused money from each state to go into a pool for redistribution. Sometime after the pooling, he said, interest rates are likely to be adjusted. The current rate is two percent and even a slight increase in the rate on a $10 million loan could push the city’s annual obligation significantly upward.
“If interest rates go up from two percent to 2.5 percent, that is $50,000 a year more we’d have to pay,” he said. “That’s a lot of money.”
[pullquote]Fisher tried to allay the concerns of nervous aldermen by noting the USDA will vette the city’s finances before approving the loan.[/pullquote]
In addition to acquiescing to Ald. Alderson’s recommendation to seek a second opinion from the city’s auditors, Fisher tried to allay the concerns of nervous aldermen by noting the USDA will vette the city’s finances before approving the loan. The Rural Development program has an extensive underwriting process to determine whether a municipality can afford a loan and whether or not its water rates need to be raised to service the debt. By contract, the city will agree to raise rates if it becomes necessary during the life of the loan. He also said USDA will “keep on top of” the city to ensure it applies for the loan in a timely manner to get the best interest rate possible.
POLICE INVESTIGATOR
By a vote of six-to-one, the council agreed to let Police Chief Jared DePoppe appoint a Police Investigator on a six-month trial basis. DePoppe and Ald. Kluthe, Police Committee Chair, first presented the idea last month.
“I believe it is needed and I think it is in the best interest of the city,” DePoppe told the council Monday night. DePoppe reportedly plans to appoint Lori Gerdes to the investigator’s post. Under the proposal, she will be on patrol eight hours a week and work 32 hours per week as an investigator. As an investigator, she will not only be responsible for interviewing witnesses and suspects, but also handling paper work, managing evidence and preparing criminal cases for presentation to the State’s Attorney for prosecution. Ultimately, DePoppe and Kluthe said, the system will free up time for regular patrol officers and reduce the amount of overtime the department logs.
[pullquote]We’re looking at this as a trial basis.[/pullquote]
“We’re looking at this as a trial basis,” Ald. Kluthe said. “I want to see if there is a need for this, too.” He said the committee plans to revisit the issue in six months and make determination at that time about how well the program is working and whether or not it should be continued. A decision probably would be made at that time about whether or not to hire an additional patrol officer.
“My understanding is that you’re creating a position, not adding an employee?” Ald. Alderson asked.
“The position has always been there,” Kluthe said. “It’s just that Jared has being doing it.” When the Department’s former investigator resigned, Kluthe said, DePoppe took over the investigative duties. Kluthe said investigative duties place a large demand on DePoppe’s time.
“Jared is handling more than 20 cases himself,” Kluthe said. “That’s sex abuse cases, thefts, forgeries and a whole gamut of felonies being handled on top of his regular duties.”
Ald. Jan Weidner asked about how the investigator’s hours will be distributed. When DePoppe said the tentative schedule calls for the investigator to patrol for eight hours per week with 32 hours devoted to investigative duties, Weidner expressed some surprise that Gillespie would require that many hours for investigative work.
“That’s not just investigating,” DePoppe said. “That’s case management, going up to the State’s Attorney’s, and so forth. There’s a lot of paperwork. There’s a lot that goes into investigating apart from interviewing.”
Both DePoppe and Kluthe indicated the hours assigned for investigative work could be flexible, depending upon case loads and what is learned from the six-month trial period. The officer appointed as investigator will receive a 25-cent per hour raise. If Gerdes is appointed, DePoppe said, she actually will take a slight decrease in wages because she currently gets a 35-cent shift differential.
Brought to a vote, the measure to appoint an investigator on a trial basis was approved with Ald. Weidner casting the sole negative vote.
[pullquote]Kluthe also reported to the council that the Police Department needs a replacement squad car.[/pullquote]
Kluthe also reported to the council that the Police Department needs a replacement squad car for the vehicle Police Chief DePoppe currently is using.
“Between January and today, it has cost us $2,100 for repairs,” Kluthe said. “It’s nickel and diming us to death. We need to get rid of it now.”
He said he Morrow Brothers Ford, the vendor that supplies police cars under state contact, is looking for a used squad car for the city. Kluthe said he will return to the council with pricing for a replacement vehicle at a later date.
“I’ll try to be as frugal as a I can,” he said.
DePoppe reported to the council that a memorial for county law enforcement officers and firefighters is being planned for the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn throughout the efforts of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department. The monument will honor the memory of four police officers and one firefighter who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Macoupin County, he said.
“They’re hoping to raise at least $3,000,” DePoppe said. “Of course, the more money they raise, the nicer the monument.”
DePoppe said local officers plan to raise funds for the monument and he encouraged the council to consider making a donation on behalf of the city.
DRAINAGE ISSUE
Mayor John Hicks referred to committee the issue of addressing reported drainage problems at 311 Adams Street. The action followed a brief, sometimes heated, discussion between owner Ray Litzau and city aldermen.
Litzau arrived in the council chambers a few minutes late and after the time allotted for public comment. At the end of the meeting, Hicks told the council it was up to the aldermen to decide whether or not to allow Litzau to speak. After council members agreed to hear him, Litzau renewed his complaints about drainage at his property which he claims resulted from an alley adjacent to his property being too high. He said city workers addressed the issue by grinding down some of the alley surface near its intersection with the street and placing a culvert under the alleyway.
Monday night, Litzau said he is afraid truck traffic using the alley will cause the six-inch culvert to collapse and again divert water to his property. In addition, he said the alley remains too high south of Adams Street, causing water to enter his building on the east side. “I had to mop up mud in that room,” he said. “That room has never had water in it before.”
“You can see the hump in the alley,” he said. “I’m asking that you please make that go away, which is the city’s legal obligation. I’m trying my damnedest to make this work.”
Litzau has approached the council on several occasions in the past to register complaints about the drainage issue. On Monday night, Ald. Jerry Dolliger bristled at Litzau’s suggestion that he trespassed on Litzau’s property in Litzau’s absence to investigate the issue. Dolliger also questioned where mud would have come from to enter Litzau’s property, saying the city installed rock on the alley and if there was mud in the building, it came from Litzau’s own property.
LIBRARY BASEMENT
Steve Joyce, head librarian for the City Public Library, also addressed the council concerning and issue with water entering the library basement during periods of heavy rainfall. He said the city previously agreed to split the cost of resolving the issue. However, city workers were unable to use city equipment to jet the drains, but a private contractor was able to partially jet the pipes. That jetting demonstrated the drains are clear but only to a certain point.
“When water comes in, it can’t get out,” Joyce said. “We can’t have water in the library” because of potential damage to books and documents. In addition to the faulty drains, Joyce said an artificial swale at the back of the library also appears to be diverting water toward the building and further exacerbating the problem. The proposed solution, he said, is to cut out both drains, replace them with new drains and install road pack at the back of the building to divert water away. The total cost of the project won’t be known until the drains are removed and workers can determine how far they have to got to get past the blockage.
Mayor Hicks advised Joyce to have the preliminary work done with the provision the city will share the cost. If the cost appears to be becoming excessive, Hicks asked Joyce to return to the city with a more complete estimate.
DERELICT PROPERTIES
Council members briefly discussed abandoned and derelict properties in the city, citing several properties where grass and weeds have been allowed to grow, and abandoned properties that pose a hazard to the public.
“I hope the aldermen are paying attention to this,” said Mayor John Hicks. “This is what you should be doing in your wards. Take a drive around your ward on a Sunday and make a note of tall grass, junk cars and mattresses in the yard.”
Ald. Kluthe said he had received complaints about an abandoned residence in his ward that apparently is attracting snakes and vermin.
City Attorney Kevin Polo said the city can pursue nuisance actions against such properties, but said the council should be aware that such actions will cost the city some money upfront. Successful actions could result in the city ending up owning the very properties the city wanted cleaned up. In some cases, ownership can be difficult to determine and in some cases no one will take responsibility for ownership.The house Kluthe cited “technically is owned by a couple of people who have been dead for three decades,” Polo noted. Pursuing a nuisance action against that home, he said, would require tracking down heirs of the deceased owners and since the couple was unmarried, city officials essentially would be looking for members of two extended families. In the meantime, he said, the house has never gone up for a tax deed sale because some of the heirs have continued to pay property taxes on the home.
For some other derelict houses, Polo said it’s hoped the abandoned properties eventually will be acquired by responsible owners through tax deed sales. That process, however, takes three years of delinquency before the property can be sold.
“It’s too bad it takes so long,” said Ald. Alderson.
PONTOON BOAT FOR LAKE
The council voted unanimously to purchase a used pontoon boat at a cost of $1,700 from Tom Bauer of Gillespie for use by Gillespie Lake personnel. The 1997 boat is 28 feet long and is equipped with a 90-horsepower Johnson outboard motor. It also has been stripped down to basically a deck, which is what lake personnel need, according to Ald. Kluthe and lake employee Gary Thornhill.
“It’s a safety issue,” Kluthe said. He said lake workers currently use a patrol boat for such tasks as placing buoys, driving pilings and removing debris. “Someday we’re going to have an accident out there.”
OTHER ACTION:
In other action, the council:
- Agreed to make a donation to the Macoupin County Safe Families program in the same amount as last year’s contribution.
- Approved a lake lot lease transfer from Greg Dolliger to Kendall Lowery at No. 370 on the New Lake. The lot is one of the new lots created by council action earlier this year. Ald. Dolliger voted present on the transfer because Greg Dolliger is his son.
- Voted to implement a previously approved salary increase for the City Clerk and City Treasurer, retroactive to the April consolidated election. The measure raises pay for the offices from $200 to $230 per meeting, bringing their stipends to the same level as city aldermen’s wages.
- Approved issuance of business licenses for Reids Service at 805 South Staunton Street and Elite Technology at 204 West Eastland Street. Reids, moving into the former location of Bank of America, provides electrical and heating, air conditioning and ventilation services. Elite Technology is a graphic design company owned by Douglas Heyen. The firm has two employees and provides computer services, web design, screen printing and other services.
- Approved the purchase of 10 outdoor lighting fixtures for the water treatment plant at a cost not to exceed $500. Ald. Tucker said the lights are not working and are needed for safety.
- Adopted a state-mandated prevailing wage ordinance requiring the city to use contractors who pay their employees at least the prevailing wage as determined by the Department of Labor. Municipalities are required to adopt a prevailing wage ordinance every year.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
Comments
The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
