Community News
Gillespie eyes possible new TIF District, solar field expansion
Katrina Eiffling told council members her home was damaged when the contractor accidentally broke a sewer line, causing raw sewage to pour into the basement of her home.
Gillespie city officials apparently are exploring the possibility of creating a new Tax Increment Financing District that would encompass parts of the city’s northwest side and possibly dovetail with a tentative project to expand the existing solar field at the water treatment plant to supply power for a residential subdivision.
City Attorney Kevin Polo and City Treasurer Dan Fisher both emphasized the issue is tentative at this time but opened discussion during a meeting of the city council Monday night in the interest of transparency and to ensure city residents are informed early in the process. Polo said an existing TIF district that basically encompasses the downtown business district has several years before it expires. The potential new TIF district could retain the existing boundaries and be expanded to include the new areas. Fisher said he has been in contact with the city’s TIF district consultants and confirmed representatives of the consulting firm are likely to make a presentation to the committee in about two weeks.
TIF districts encourage development by capturing increases in property tax revenue for a Tax Increment Financing Fund which can then be used for infrastructure development within the district. Other taxing bodies, such as the school district, often object to the creation of TIF districts because they essentially freeze property tax revenue they receive at the level they are receiving at the time the district is created. Since much of the proposed TIF district area is comprised of vacant lots, future development on those lots could result in substantial revenue for the TIF Fund.
“We would have to include the school in the discussion,” Polo said, because the Community Unit School District 7 tax base would be impacted and because it owns some of the vacant lots that would be included in the new district.
The possibility of creating a new TIF district dovetails with a possible grant application to expand the water plant solar panel field to supply power to a subdivision. Fisher said a local developer has expressed an interest in building a subdivision featuring energy-efficient homes that would draw electrical power from the aggregate solar field.
While Fisher said both the TIF district and solar energy grant application are “very tentative at this point,” he encouraged the council to consider applying soon for the grant. “We probably need to move expeditiously,” Fisher said. “Any time money is available it makes sense to apply early.”
Formal action on creating a new TIF district could be several months away if the council decides to proceed with the plan.
RESIDENTS VOICE DAMAGE COMPLAINTS
Monday night’s regular meeting of the council was a marathon session lasting about three hours with nearly a third of that time devoted to hearing complaints and comments from visiting residents. Mayor John Hicks and Fisher told residents the city is maintaining a file of complaints about damage allegedly caused by contractor activities associated with the water infrastructure replacement project. Most of those complaints apparently involve damage to yards and driveways, but some residents are reporting more substantial damage.
Katrina Eiffling told council members her home was damaged when the contractor accidentally broke a sewer line, causing raw sewage to pour into the basement of her home. Eiffling said they discovered the situation fairly quickly because the family was having work done on the home’s furnace and the repairman heard sewage pouring in. The line has since been repaired, but Eiffling said she and her family have dealt with substantial damage.
She said insurance coverage was capped at $5,000. “We have spent way beyond what insurance will pay for,” she said. Repairs included gutting and replacing a bathroom, replacing damaged ceiling tiles and other items. ServPro cleaning personnel spent eight days on-site, according to Eiffling, and she said the home reeked with the smell of sewage through Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays.
Hicks said the contractor is contesting the claim. Ultimately, he said the city may pay her for damages to the home and withhold that amount from the city’s final payment to the contractor.
“We’ve been consistent in telling them it’s their fault,” Fisher said. “They still aren’t acknowledging it. At some point they will make a business decision whether it is cheaper to pay for it or turn it into their insurance.”
Hicks told Don Dobrino that the contractor has acknowledged damage to Dobrino’s truck that occurred Nov. 20 and will pay for repairs. Dobrino told the council he was going to pick up his granddaughter from school when the truck drove into a trench that had been cut across the street. He said workers on the scene used a piece of equipment on-site to lift the vehicle and allow him to back out of the trench. When he took the vehicle in for repairs, Dobrino said he learned the frame was sprung from the way in which it was lifted.
“They are going to pay your claim because they know they were wrong because it (the trench) wasn’t barricaded,” Hicks said.
Fisher acknowledged that the city clerk’s office is compiling a file of damage claims from residents that will be presented to the contractor.
HERITAGE FOOD FESTIVAL
On a motion by Ald. Dave Tucker, the council agreed to waive the rental fee for the Civic Center and to pay the cost of Dram Shop insurance for a March 28 Heritage Food Festival sponsored by the Grow Gillespie organization. The measure is a step better than what the organization initially requested.
Madison Heyen, a senior anthropology student at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, asked the council to waive the rental fee for the event, which was planned and developed by an SIU Envision class that is cooperating with Grow Gillespie as a class project.
“These kids have been working on this for several months,” said Renee Katich, a Grow Gillespie member. “This is their senior project. They developed the entire plan and budget.”
Styled after popular “Taste of” events held in many metropolitan areas, the event is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For $10, persons attending the event will be able to taste foods presented by local restaurants as well as food items once available from local restaurants no longer in business. “When it says ‘heritage,’ it’s also historical memorabilia and foods from restaurants that are no longer here,” Katich said. The event also will feature wine tastings.
“This community is rich in ethnic food,” Katich noted. The Plavi Dunav Tamburitzins Croatian band will provide live music along with recorded background music during the event.
Tucker said he moved to include Dram Shop insurance in his motion even though the group asked only for a rental fee waiver.
“I think that’s the least we can do for the amount of work they’ve put into it,” Tucker said.
In a somewhat related matter, the council approved a motion by Ald. Dona Rauzi to cover the cost of tickets for any city employee who wants to attend in lieu of sponsoring an employee appreciation dinner. Rauzi said she polled employees earlier and learned there was little interest in an employee dinner.
CITY PROPERTY REPAIRS, IMPROVEMENTS
As the council either approved or referred to committee two projects to improve city-owned buildings, City Treasurer Fisher urged the council to develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan. “We have a number of building projects coming up,” Fisher said. “I would like to group them together and develop a plan.” The plan would include not only how to pay for the improvements but also ensure that “one project fits with another.”
Fishers comments came moments before the council voted to give the Public Safety Committee power to act on awarding a contract for a remodeling project at the city police station. Two bids were received—$9,600 and $10,240—to reconfigure the lobby area to reduce the size of the waiting area and increase the space available for dispatchers.
Council members also gave committee members the power to act on awarding a contract to install a handicapped-accessible automatic front door at city hall to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A low bid of $2,354 was submitted by Overhead Doors of St. Louis, Mo., with a higher bid of $2,570 submitted by Stanley Access Technology. Committee members are expected to study both bids to confirm they address project specifications before awarding the contract.
On a motion by Ald. Tucker, the council voted to accept a $1,750 contract to replace doorknobs with lever-type handles on interior doors at city hall, also in compliance with ADA. The bid includes 16 keys, some of which will fit locks for secured rooms such as the mayor’s office and city clerk’s office.
Ald. Rauzi said both projects are required under terms of the grant agreement the city signed with USDA Rural Development to secure financing for the ongoing water infrastructure replacement project.
No action was taken after Rauzi reported she was called to the city garage during a recent heavy rainstorm to see the severity of rainwater entering the building as a result of roof leaks. She said she was told workers sometimes have to stand on boards when operating electric welders to guard against the risk of electrocution. “We need to do something to either repair the roof,” she said, or build a new building.
Fisher said the city could access TIF funds to replace the building, but only if it is the same size and constructed on the same footprint. If a new building was constructed on the same site, Ald. Jerry Dolliger said the city could use the existing concrete pad and save several thousand dollars on construction costs.
“I know we have a limited amount of money,” said Rauzi, who also has advocated for roof repairs at the Civic Center. “Maybe it’s something we all need to start thinking about. How would we pay for it? Would we be better off to build a new building or repair the old one?”
205 FRANCIS STREET OFFERED FOR SALE—AGAIN
On a motion by Ald. Tucker, seconded by Ald. Rauzi, the council voted to again offer 205 Francis Street for sale to the highest qualified bidder. The derelict home was acquired by the city as a result of a public nuisance action. The city attempted to sell the property a month ago but was unsuccessful in attracting bidders.
Polo told the council last month that bidders may have been deterred by provisions in the sale contract that would have kept the property in the city’s name while the buyer purchased the property contract-for-deed. Since the property would have still been technically owned by the city, the buyer would have been required to comply with prevailing wage provisions for contractors hired to make improvements to the house.
The measure approved Monday night calls for an outright sale of the property, which will circumvent the prevailing wage requirements.
Earlier in the meeting, Kim Young, whose home is adjacent to 205 Francis, complained about conditions at the home. She said she was promised last year that city workers would trim brush at the property but that work was never done. Large quantities of debris fill the garage and basement, and animals are basically free to enter the house.
“I have raccoons and possums all the time,” Young said.
Mayor Hicks told Young the city will attempt a second time to sell the property. “If it doesn’t get sold, it will be ours to take care of,” he said.
ORDINANCE PROPOSALS
Also referred to committee was an ordinance proposal developed by Polo regarding wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Polo said he had prepared an ordinance governing the use of wood-burning fire pits in the downtown area, but since that time the city received complaints about excessive smoke from a wood-burning stove. In that instance, the low-hanging smoke apparently resulted from a chimney that is not high enough to properly draft.
Polo said he wanted to refer the ordinance to committee “because there’re a lot of discretionary things, a lot of blanks to fill.” Among other things, the new ordinance will impose minimum heights for chimneys.
At the request of Police Chief Jared DePoppe, Polo also plans to develop a proposed ordinance adopting a zero-tolerance policy regarding cannabis for police officers. Initially, as a result of Illinois’ new law allowing recreational cannabis usage, employers would be prohibited from disciplinary employees for using cannabis when not on the job. A rider to the bill added later, however, allows local governments to impose zero-tolerance for police officers and first responders.
Polo said the new ordinance will not affect city employees who do not work in law enforcement or emergency services capacities.
No action followed an executive session convened to discuss collective bargaining issues and real estate.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a building permit for a $3 million public housing development planned by the Macoupin County Housing Authority on the city’s southwest side.
- Approved a contract to sell water to the Village of Wilsonville over the next 40 years at the same rates specified for other satellite water users. The contract is subject to approval by the Wilsonville Board of Trustees before taking effect.
- Entered into an inter-governmental agreement with the Village of Sawyerville to provide water for a term of 40 years.
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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.
