Community News
High school principal Dennis Tiburzi announces retirement at District Board Meeting
Board approves new starting/ending times for next school year
Board members Mark Hayes, Dave Griffel, Billy Carter, and Weye Schmidt laugh as Mr. Tiburzi says “Go Miners!”
During a regular school board meeting on May 20, the board accepted the resignation/retirement of high school Principal Dennis Tiburzi effective June 30, 2013. Tiburzi has been with the district for 16 years, but has taught for a total of 35.5 years. Board president Mark Hayes thanked Tiburzi for his years of service to the district.
Dennis Tiburzi expressed appreciation to the board thanking them for everything they have done. “I thank Superintendent Skeans and Mr. Tieman,” Tiburzi continued. “It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Turcol and Ms. Emmons. The district is on the right track. They are moving forward doing great things.”
The board wished Tiburzi well on his retirement. Tiburzi smiled and told the board he won’t be very far away if they need anything. “I plan to spend a lot of time with my wife in the new elementary school,” Dennis closed, “Go Miners!”
The board went on to post for a secondary school principal position.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman questioned if the school board would like to consider new start and end times for FSY 2013. The middle school and high school would start school at 7:45am ending at 2:30pm. The elementary school would remain the same, 8am-3pm. “Basically, we are combining bus routes to save money. It is just making it much more efficient for the kids to get to school,” Superintendent Skeans explained. The board objected to take a vote on the item as everyone agreed it was in their interest to save money by grouping bus routes together.
Personnel
Board members Peyton Bernot, Don Dobrino, and Jennie Alepra write down how much the 2 new buses will cost.
The board voted 6-1, Weye Schmidt objecting, to hire Casey Sholtis as the high school boys’ basketball coach for the new school year and posted for the assistant basketball coach position. The school board also hired Whitney Paige as a school nurse 7-0.
In other certificated manners, the board posted for a pre-kindergarten/title reading teacher position and a middle school/high school business computer teacher.
Under non-certificated manners, the board posted for a unit district clerical position and appointed Jared Martin as high school boys’ soccer volunteer coach for the new school year. The board accepted resignation from John Blank, head coach of the girls’ soccer team. They posted for the position.
New Business
The school board approved the purchase of 2 new buses for the 2013-2014 school year. The two 2008 buses are used with 39,000 miles and 30,000 miles. The cost for the two buses total $95,540 with cameras already installed in them. The purchase was approved 7-0.
Transportation still has a 20% depreciation schedule for 5 years, so we turn in 20% depreciation after this year and they will send the district 20% back and the district will make the first payment with the received funds. Using the depreciation schedule for the State of Illinois, the district will not use any of their own funds.
The school board approved early graduation at the end of second semester requests for Rebecca Besserman, Jimi Jo Hagan, Ashlynn Jackson, Ricky Mouir, Alexis Moutrie, Alex Conlee, Whitney Gibson, and Cody Schlecte. The approval for graduation depends if all graduation requirements are met by that point in time. The board approved all requests 7-0.
Old Business
Superintendent Skeans brought up the Benld property again discussing what to do with the property once the old elementary school is demolished. Skeans told the board the sports group that has expressed interest in the property wrote a letter to the board asking consideration.
Once again, Skeans recommended the land either be given to a government agency or retained for district use. “The youth organization is an independent organization not related to any government agency,” Skeans closed.
Tom Hyde explained the project is still on hold due to the issue regarding the resolution as to when they can start. Skeans explained he was not aware of changes. He foresees the project to start within one week or two.
BenGil Elementary School Update
Tom Hyde, district architect, announced the new school is finishing up with substantial completion possible by the end of the week. “Substantial completion means we would take ownership of the building,” Hyde clarified. Skeans explained he has been pushing for substantial completion for a long time now as he gets to send in to receive the final part of the funding from the Capital Development Board once “substantial completion” is declared.
Tom Hyde explains the new elementary school could reach “substantial completion” by the end of this week.
Site work for the outside of the school is expected to be complete in about 4 weeks, Hyde explained. The crews need to do last minute paving, grading, and adding a layer of top soil. The geothermal well fields have all been completed and tested as well.
The district received formal approval for a $120,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community System for the PV systems. The $120,000 grant is based on 60% of the cost. The photovoltaic system will cost nearly $200,000.
Hyde then explained he had two change orders. The first change order was for B&B Electric and the middle school/high school data outlet revision. B&B Electric is installing and purchasing the surveillance system, installing the promethean boards, and adding additional data outlets in the hs/ms library and computer lab. The first change order had a total cost of $27,538 and was approved 7-0.
The second change order was to Contegra Construction to incorporate the overlay of Kelly Street into the project. The figure is higher because it is overlaying the entire Kelly Street. The cost for that project is $57,620 and was approved 7-0.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Tieman, assistant superintendent, explained data teams will meet in the summer and go over student test data. They will also format the data to display the information to teachers. In addition, Tieman asked for the board’s approval on the change in starting/ending time for the buildings starting next school year.
Administrator Updates
Mr. Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, updated the council on the closing school year. Tiburzi explained the high school was awarded a bronze award from the U.S. News and World Report as the best high schools in Illinois for the second consecutive year. Tiburzi also explained the underclassmen will complete their school year on May 23 and 24 where they will take their final exams. Lastly, Mr. Tiburzi explained the Class of 2013 exceeded $507,000 in scholarship funds.
In the middle school, Lori Emmons explained 6th grade students submitted Letters About Literature and one student, Drew Timmermeier, was selected as an Illinois Semi-Finalist for his submission over Civil War Spies by Camilla J. Wilson. Emmons also explained the 8th grade promotion will take place on May 29th at 6:00pm in the high school gymnasium.
Ms. Angela Turcol explained nearly 25 elementary teachers will attend a book study on June 12 covering the Leader in Me. She also added 100 students earned lunch with the principal by meeting their reading goals.
May Bills
Education Fund: $71,691.12
Transportation Fund: $9,080.43
Site & Construction Fund: $698,138.18
Building Fund: $10,557.23
Grand Total: $789,466.96
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Jaylen M. Ronald, 22 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Shelby Street in reference to animal neglect.
Walter L. Vester, 30 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a home security check.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to telephone harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was speaking with a female in the 200 block of North Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Western Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 200 block of Park Avenue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to spam callers.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie bike trail in reference to a suspicious person on a motorized bike.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of Maple Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property. Joseph F. Frew, 49 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for littering prohibited.
An officer was dispatched to the 111 South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil stand by.
An officer was dispatched to the 10000 Friese Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare with a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024
Juan A. Cortez, 40 of Danville, was arrested on multiple warrants. Cortez had warrants out of Collinsville for possession of methamphetamine, Sangamon County for failure to appear for drugs, and Coles County for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference o a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer met with a female at Gillespie Police Department to collect an item that she found.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Heritage Health in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld in reference to recovered stolen property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Jersey Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Oregon Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious female in a vehicle. Kourtney K. Claro, 33 of Benld, was issued citation for no valid driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding,
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
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FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
