Community News
Gillespie may soon consider water conservation measures
The council took under advisement a request from Harold Besserman, new owner of the SuperBowl Bowling Alley, to share the cost of repairing a long-standing water leak at the west side business.
With the water levels in Gillespie’s newer water reservoir continuing to fall, city council members on Monday night discussed the possibility of imposing water conservation measures on local water customers in the near future, particularly if there is not substantial rainfall to recharge the lake prior to spring when homeowners traditionally begin filling swimming pools and watering lawns.
Ald. Frank Barrett, Lake Committee chair, told the council the lake is down by about 43 inches to the ice now covering the lake. Additionally, there is a substantial void between the ice and the water level, meaning the actual lake level may be down by nearly four feet. Ice fishing on the lake was suspended earlier this year because of unsafe conditions posed by the void between the ice and water level.
“We’re getting to a point that it’s going to be critical,” Mayor John Hicks said. “We may need put in water conservation measures.”
Because of differences in water surface acreage, City Treasurer Dan Fisher said it probably would be futile to pump water from the Old Gillespie Lake into the New Lake.
“If you take five feet out of the Old Lake, you might raise the New Lake by a foot or so,” Fisher said. “We would almost have to drain the Old Lake to make a difference.”
The council stopped short of actually voting to implement water conservation measures at this time, taking Mayor Hicks’ suggestion that the city “let Mother Nature take its course” and see if the region experiences enough rainfall by spring to recharge the reservoir. Hicks said the Old Lake, in particular, is known to recharge relatively quickly with substantial rainfall.
“We don’t get much rain this time of year,” Fisher noted. “We probably do need to look at some conservation measures at some point.”
[pullquote]The silver lining in the story is that the lowered lake level may facilitate a cheaper repair job for the New Lake dam and spillway.[/pullquote]
The silver lining in the story is that the lowered lake level may facilitate a cheaper repair job for the New Lake dam and spillway. The dam and spillway are targeted for repair using proceeds from a USDA loan and the grant the city acquired to fund a major water infrastructure project. The lowered lake level could allow workers to access a portion of the dam and spillway that have been leaking without needing to build a coffer dam to hold water back from the work site. Fisher said Roger Curry, the city’s engineer, recently advised the city that the problem may not be as serious as previously thought and that the repair could be relatively inexpensive, particularly if no coffer dam is needed. Those repairs, however, are not expected before spring.
Lake Supt. Gary Thornhill told the council it may even be possible to repair the lake from the front of the spillway apron in lieu of approaching the problem from the back side. The leak, he explained, seems to be located in about the center of the spillway apron and it is possible to remove and replace a section of concrete from the front side.
“That’s sort of what Roger is saying,” Fisher said after hearing from Thornhill. “The problem may not be as much as we thought.”
In other action, the council unanimously approved a resolution to raise annual leases charged for some classifications of lake lots, discussed the possibility of installing solar panels in some city-owned locations as an energy conservation measure and, following a 20-minute executive session, agreed to start paying the Lake Superintendent union wages.
LAKE LOT LEASE INCREASE
On a motion by Ald. Barrett, seconded by Janice Weidner, the council voted unanimously to raise annual leases by $50 for so-called “camping” lots at Gillespie Lake. A resident previously scheduled to testify in opposition to the measure did not attend the meeting.
Under the new pricing schedule, the cost to lease permanent lots not classified as permanent residential lots will go from $600 to $650, plus $350 for each additional lot with no permanent structures. The cost for picnic lots will go from $300 to $350 per year, increasing to $650 per year if the lot is improved with a permanent structure or camper. City residents will continue to receive a $50 annual discount for permanent residence lots, non-residence lots and picnic lots. Lease holders who have not paid their annual lease by May 1 each year will be charged interest of 10 percent per month until the lease is paid.
Barrett said the increases will affect camping lots only. Annual leases for permanent residential lots were increased from $600 per year to $900 in December 2015.
“We haven’t had a raise on these lots in about 14 years,” Barrett said. “It will bring in about $10,000 a year.”
SOLAR PANEL DISCUSSION
The council heard a brief discussion from Fisher regarding the possibility of installing solar panels on some city properties to generate electrical power. A more detailed presentation and possible action by the council is expected to come at a later date after solar panel companies make formal project proposals to the Public Works Committee. Fisher said he has been consulting with the Blue-Green Alliance, a consortium of labor unions and environmental groups interested in promoting alternative energy projects, to develop preliminary options for solar energy projects.
Among the options under consideration:
- Installing solar panels at the Water Treatment Plant to supplement power requirements for the city’s water system.
- Installing solar panels at city hall, police department or former UCB building, which could make any one of those buildings self-sufficient or nearly self-sufficient in regard to energy requirements.
- Installing a small solar panel field, which would put the city in a position of being able to sell energy back to Ameren.
In addition to savings in energy costs, Fisher said the city should be able to recover about 27 percent of the project cost if the city chooses to place solar panels at the former bank building, which now houses the Illinois Coal Mining Museum.
If the city chooses to build a solar panel field, Fisher said one of the options under consideration calls for installing the panels on the reclaimed “gob pile” at the site of the abandoned Little Dog Coal Mine. In those circumstances, the city would be required to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Village of East Gillespie where the mine actually is located.
Fisher said the solar panel program could significantly curb the city’s utility bills. Currently, he said, the sewer department and street lights are the city’s two largest consumers of energy, racking up electrical bills of about $60,000 annually.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session, the council voted unanimously to start paying Lake Supt. Gary Thornhill union wages established by the city’s contract with the laborers union. City Attorney Kevin Polo said the city is awaiting formal certification from the State Department of Labor certifying Thornhill’s membership in the union but that the city had earlier agreed to terms including Thornhill’s position in the bargaining unit.
On the recommendation of Police Chief Jared DePoppe, the council also voted unanimously to increase wages for nonunion, part-time police dispatchers by 50 cents per hour, bringing them into alignment with raises given to police union employees as a result of contract negotiations.
QUEEN OF HEARTS
On Mayor Hicks’ recommendation, the council tabled consideration of an ordinance that would permit Queen of Hearts raffles within the city limits, pending the receipt of additional information. Hicks said he had been contacted by Kent Tarro, representing the Miners Soccer Association, about the possibility of sponsoring a Queen of Hearts raffle as a benefit for the association. The raffles, featuring progressively larger “pots” as the grand prize, have become popular in many Illinois towns.
“My biggest concern is where they would have it and the crowds,” Hicks said, pointing out problems with excessively large crowds and parking associated with a recent Queen of Hearts raffle conducted in Mount Olive. “If they rent the Civic Center, you’re going to have a mess in the back and you have to have dram shop. We need more information.”
City Attorney Polo said that if the city chooses to allow Queen of Hearts raffles and ordinance will be required. The Illinois Municipal League, he said, had provided him with a model ordinance to govern the games.
“We do have to have an ordinance if we’re going to allow it,” Polo said. “If we don’t have an ordinance, it’s not allowed.”
The council also tabled a proposal to spend about $20,000 to install rip-rap at the New Gillespie Lake. Proponents said now would be an ideal time for the project because of the low lake level.
Ald. Weiner objected to the proposal, pointing out that the city had “a very, very expensive month” last month.
“I know we are all hoping for a flood,” Mayor Hicks said, “but I think we can wait on this.”
WATER LEAK
The council took under advisement a request from Harold Besserman, new owner of the SuperBowl Bowling Alley, to share the cost of repairing a long-standing water leak at the west side business. Besserman said the leak, recently repaired by city workers, had existed “for who knows how long,” indicating the line was leaking before he purchased the business.
“I don’t mind paying my share, but I’m bringing it up now because I’m trying to get ahead of it so I know what I’m looking at,” Besserman said.
Although there have been long-standing issues was surface water in the vicinity of the bowling alley, the city reportedly learned that it was a result of a water leak only recently. Mayor Hicks said the leak was discovered when city crews noticed that the water did not freeze during a recent spate of extremely cold weather. Upon testing the water, it was discovered to contain chlorine, indicating a water line leak.
Besserman said he had several issues with how the repair project was handled.
“I didn’t get asked to fix it myself,” he said. “They hired Mike Ranger to dig it up and I didn’t get asked to dig it up myself so I could see it was mine and, third, they did it on overtime.”
Ald. Jerry Dolliger said the city had to make the repairs after regular working hours to avoid shutting off water to an adjacent doctor’s office during office hours.
“It’s part your fault and it’s part our fault,” Dolliger said of the leaking line. He said the total cost of the project has not yet been determined but that the cost of excavating alone will run about $500.
“Harold was left with this problem,” said Ald. Barrett. “I do think we should work with him on it.”
VACANT LOT SALE
Council members unanimously voted to authorize the Mayor to have a city-owned lot next to Lumpy’s Tavern on Macoupin Street appraised with an eye toward selling it for a business development. State law allows municipalities to sell surplus real estate either by sealed bid or for a negotiated price totaling at least 80 percent of the appraised value.
The lot, reportedly being eyed by an insurance company for construction of an office, is located within the city’s Tax Increment Financing Zone and the county’s Enterprise Zone.
“I think that if we can get rid of it, that would be a benefit,” Hicks said.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to donate $200 for the city’s annual Easter Egg Hunt which is coordinated by the Canna Church.
- Agreed to buy a chop saw for cutting metal for the Public Works Department at a cost of about $150.
- Accepted a purchase bid of $500.95 from Dale Demkey for a 1993 dump truck previously declared as surplus property. Demkey submitted the only bid for the vehicle.
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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.
