Community News
Goldasich, Tiburzi speak to school board about school culture
Mark Goldasich addressed the school board about his concerns with school culture
Two staff members from the district approached the school board during a regular school board meeting on Monday, November 19. Staff members informed the board of their own opinion on how data over the district is tearing the district apart and, in contrast, bringing the district together. The board listened to both instructors and explained they would contact them later if they had any questions.
Mr. Mark Goldasich was recognized first by the school board under recognition of the public to speak about school culture. “It will unite us, not divide us,” Goldasich explained to the board on his way to the front. Mr. Goldasich, high school industrial technology teacher, addressed the school board about his concerns with school culture or the way the school does business.
“Regardless of what your political beliefs are, adequate yearly progress (AYP) was supposed to bring us together and have daily conversations about our day-to-day operations,” Goldasich started, “I don’t think it did.” He went on to say that the CUSD #7 is still isolated in 4-6 different groups and the district has had 10 years to look at data, the districts’ report card or adequate yearly progress. “Data is what it is, it was supposed to produce a data driven school culture and I don’t think it did.” Goldasich explained that the same data that tore the district apart is supposed to bring the district together, and it has not.
According to Goldasich, CUSD #7 did not embrace aspects of AYP. “Now we are searching for other things to measure such as effort, parental involvement, sports, and we could measure everything else instead of what we should be doing.” He went on to explain that some aspects of test taking are important to a certain degree. He highlighted that the Illinois School Board of Education placed CUSD #7 in the bottom 20% of all school districts in the State of Illinois. “We have teachers that have no idea of this, this cannot happen.”
Other things teachers do not know, according to Goldasich, is less than 12% of our students are going to college according to the ACT college success report. “That is the lowest in the area,” he added. He also mentioned high school students have the highest GPA, but suffer the largest loss in college. “That is grade inflation, I am concerned about this.” He questioned what the board is concerned about. “Education is a loose structure and we can squirm away from accountability,” Goldasich went on to add. “In order to remain effective, we need strong local control of our day-to-day operations.”
Goldasich explained day-to-day operations start with curriculum maps, the most important things the district has. Maps need to be aligned, sequenced, and phased. “We do not have that, we are already behind.” Then, teachers then apply different teaching strategies to ensure everyone learns. Goldasich added that CUSD #7 is good at teaching to a diverse group of learners. Next, according to him, students take tests to prove their learning. Assessments are then structured. “Since our assessments are not structured, because our curriculum maps do not have performance objectives, we cannot gauge where we are.”
Mrs. Susan Tiburzi then presented school culture from a teacher’s point of view. “I am here as a teacher of 27 years,” she started. “Data plays a large role in operation, the eyes are on it.” Tiburzi explained she has viewed data in many different lenses and her presentation was a collaborative effort by her friends in the elementary section. “Some see numbers, we see hope,” she started in. Tiburzi explained there is a lot of data when it comes to test scores, but she informed the board of facts not excuses.
“These are the facts we deal with daily,” she started in. In 2009, our school sunk and 600 students were without a school. Students were then housed in a split schedule in both the middle and high schools. “Thisnot only affected the elementary students, but also the middle and high school population,” Tiburzi explained. Other facts she noted were: 61% of our demographic is low income, the districts’ mobility rate is at 19%, the truancy rate is at 9%, 24 students are reported homeless, and 18% of students are IEP.
Susan Tiburzi responded to Mr. Goldasich’s speech and explained how data is viewed in a teacher’s perspective.
Tiburzi said the district is testing the students to death, as her slideshow pictured a student crying. “It is something I see daily,” she said. “There are 6 year olds that scream ‘Not the timer, not the timer’.” The timer is used by all grade levels doing practice testing because all standardized tests are timed. “I get it, it’s what we do,” Tiburzi added. “If kids need to learn how to name letters, they need to do it in a minute.”
“Even though Goldasich explained we are in the bottom 20%, our scores have continued to increase,” she highlighted. “Especially in reading.” She went on to explain the lowest scores were from the year after the mine subsidence. In 2012, the average score was higher than the state percentage in reading. “In math, we met AYP in 2012.”
Tiburzi went on to explain what is set up in the elementary school to improve scores. Teachers use a RTI model, AIMS web, MAZE, benchmark. The AIMS web measures fluency. The MAZE measures comprehension. The benchmark is where the school stands after testing. The elementary tests students 3 times a year to measure progress, or baseline. From there, students are progress monitored to track individual progress. “It directly drives our instruction,” Tiburzi said. Other new programs implemented by elementary teachers are Explode the Code, guided reading, ISAT coaching, school themes, leaders for readers, Reading A-Z, Daily 5, Great Leaps, Review and Practice, Frog Publications, and Singapore Math. “If we all work together, which is what it takes, we can complete the puzzle,” Tiburzi closed.
The school board then asked both instructors to present their slideshows to the board of education so they can review them further and explained they we be in contact with both Goldasich and Tiburzi if they have any questions.
Personnel Action
The board of education approved maternity leave for Coleen Favre, elementary teacher, beginning February 25, 2013 through May 3, 2013. The board then accepted the resignation of high school volunteer boys’ soccer coach Mark Stewart, effective immediately.
The board appointed Dan Smith and Adam Tallman as high school volunteer baseball coach for season 2013. Lastly, the board released Debbi Zillen from the administrative staff due to medical reasons.
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Paul Skeans, superintendent, reported to the board that the Barton Charitable Foundation’s gift of $30,000 was presented to the district. The Lon D. and Lucille Barton Charitable Foundation earmarked the money for the music and athletic programs. “Majority will go toward the music program,” Skeans explained.
Skeans also questioned the board if the board would like him to seek out alternative options to having school board meetings paperless. The cheapest options would cost the district $50 each month and would be an online portal for all board members to access. Board members raised the question what the cost was for having the meeting like they are currently and Skeans responded with a $50 figure. “The thing about paperless, we can send out updates immediately and confidentially to board members the day of the board meeting,” Skeans added. “Any updates or amendments to the agenda would be immediate.” Board members encouraged Skeans to seek out options for paperless board meetings and advised him to look into BoardBook.
Mr. Skeans explained the bleachers from the previous elementary school in Benld will be demolished if a bid is not approved. Previously, a third party bid on the bleachers, but then removed their bid leaving the bleachers in the building for demolition. Skeans said Bunker Hill expressed interest in the bleachers and the board voted to give the bleachers to Bunker Hill for $1 to prevent them from being demolished.
Paul Skeans also noted that the district’s company that received the bread bid has gone out of business leaving the district without any bread. Administrative staff had to go around Monday and buy bread from local stores to ensure bread for the rest of this week. Skeans noted that he is looking into another bread option.
The school board negotiated the idea of meeting with the public once a quarter or once a month. Board members explained the open discussion must have a topic to be discussed and not be an “open firing session.” Although Skeans explained he did not encourage the board to do this, board members explained they would like to consider having it. The school board is going to discuss this and possibly establish the open discussion in the future.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Tieman had several items to inform the board about. Tieman explained the sharing committee is continuing to explore options on how technology can help school districts offer more dual credit courses on the high school level. “It is moving slow, but we are moving closer,” Tieman added.
ISBE now offers a 6 cent lunch option now. If the school district offers a healthier menu, the State of Illinois we reimburse the district 6 cents for each lunch. CUSD #7 has filed the appropriate paperwork and Tieman believes the district will be approved. “I think they will apply that to the breakfast program next year.”
Tieman updated the board that 49 teachers, 59%, of CUSD #7 has a master’s degree. Tieman noted that the statistic is from last year and would not reflect any earnings from this year or last summer. “I still think that is wrong, I just have to contact the right person to find out how that is reported.”
Old Business
Tom Hyde reported that Contegra has completed 54% of their work with 62% of the entire project being completed. Hyde explained that bids for the Benld demolition are to be in by December 12, 2012. Data wiring for the middle school will be started by the end of the month.
He went on to explain that the city engineer is looking at Kelly Street to make sure improvements can be done to the street. Hyde said they are considering a 3” paving for the road.
Hyde also explained the photovoltaic system is down by 60% compared to two years ago. The photovoltaic system would replace the wind turbine. It would switch the alternative power from wind to solar. He added Illinois Clean Energy is reviewing the change from wind to solar to see if the grant would still cover the PV system. If they do, CUSD #7 would save nearly $100,000 on the project.
New Business
After purchasing a regular van two months ago, Superintendent Skeans suggested to the school board to purchase another van equipped with a wheelchair lift. The van will be used for special educational use. When it is not in use for wheelchair transportation, it can be used to transport up to 6 students. “The van we purchased two months ago is being used every day to transport students or staff conferences,” Tieman explained.
The board chose to purchase a wheelchair accessible van from Southern Mobility which for $37,976. The 2012 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a wheelchair lift and averaged 26-27mpg while the bus being used now averages 7.5mpg. “I know it a lot higher than some of the other ones, but a couple inches here and a couple inches there really gives a lot of flexibility for us,” Dave Griffel added. Mark Hayes and Peyton Bernot objected, but the motion went on to be approved 5-2.
Administrator Updates
Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, explained midterm grades would be distributed on November 21. He noted parent/teacher conferences provided a positive experience for both parents and teachers. Tiburzi also explained that parents have been actively accessing the online student information system to track their students’ grades.
Lori Emmons, principal of the middle school, also explained midterm grades were sent home. She explained that GMS students have decorated Christmas card to send to a local soldier: Scott Schardan. Schardan is currently serving in Afghanistan and is the brother of Allison Schardan. She thanked the student council for sponsoring the holiday project.
Angela Turcol, principal of the elementary school, noted that 475 parent/teacher conferences were held. She went on to thank Ageless Fitness for continuing to support the elementary school. Ageless donated $250.00 from the GloRun event on November 3. “They are an asset to the community and I want to thank them for always thinking of us. They give back to us every year from an event they do.”
November Bills
Education Fund: $66,046.53
Building Fund: $7,297.86
Transportation Fund: $13,337.16
Grand Total: $86,681.55
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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.
