Community News
July 25 School Board Meeting: Bernot Suggests Halt Construction
CUSD #7 school board met on the evening of July 25 for their regular scheduled meeting. Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman replaced Superintendent Paul Skeans while he is away on vacation. After 58 minutes in executive session, the board appeared before the public. All 7 board members were in attendance Monday night. After the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated, first tab under open action was personnel issues.
The board certificated many open vacancies tonight; they are as follows:
- Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Dobrino to appoint Matt Brawner as Gillespie High School Scholar Bowl Sponsor for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Griffel, seconded by Carter to appoint Tina (Niehaus) Blevins as Gillespie High School Prom Sponsor for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Schmidt, seconded by Bernot to appoint Andy Easton as Middle School Girls Assistant Basketball Coach for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Alerpa, seconded by Carter to accept the resignation of Dennis Tiburzi as Gillespie High School Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach for FSY 2012 and to post the position of Gillespie High School Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach for FSY 2012. Griffel added to the discussion after the job was posted. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Tiburzi,” Griffel said, “on an excellent job as freshmen coach. He has been coach for over 20 years and I have had 2 sons go through his program. I greatly commend him and all I can say is, he will be greatly missed.”
- Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Carter to recall CUSD #7 paraprofessionals as presented for FSY 2012; Amy Baker (BES), Trinity Bray-Jet (GMS), Theresa Carter (BES), Sharon Heyen (BES – Title), Misty Parker (BES – Title), Ella May Roemer (GHS), Tim Wargo (GMS), Kathy Wheeler (GHS – Staunton), and Nicole Zenner (Pre-Kindergarten Aide).
In legal action, motion made by Alepra, seconded by Griffel to accept legal easements as presented. Griffel added that the drainage of the water on the new elementary site will drain from the east instead of the west. He provided that this will be very convenient, there were no other comments made.
Under the consent agenda, motion made by Carter, seconded by Schmidt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive session minutes of June 27 and the special meeting minutes and executive session minutes of July 13, 2011. In further action, the board approved the payment of July bills. Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Dobrino to approve payment of the July bills as follows:
- Education Fund: $88,774.29
- Building Fund: $191,894.51
- Transportation Fund: $8,031.00
- Total Insurance Fund: $25,116.00
- For a Grand Total of: $313,815.80
With no recognition of the public, Mr. Tieman read the superintendent’s report. Tieman advised the public that Mr. Paul Skeans recently attended a city council meeting to advice them that road was being built from Route 16 to the site of the new elementary school so there will be no destruction to Kelly Street. Tieman also provided that the school is only 54% of the property taxes. As many residents taxes are increasing, the school is not fully accountable for the increase since it is only about half of it. Tieman added that the 5 year plan is available in the library and advised the public to get one and view what is in store for the district in the next 5 years. Alepra added that the past plans have been changed 11 times due to the amount of progress the school is making.
Mr. Tieman then turned it over to the principals. Ms. Angela Turcol (Benld) discussed Family Literacy Night. The program is funded by an IRC Grant which was awarded to the Title Reading Teachers: Dana Tieman, Suzie Tiburzi, Lorraine Strutner, and Kimberly Link. The grant is $1500 and is to be used to promote family reading. The family literacy night is planned for September 8 from 6:00-8:00pm. Every student who attends the program will leave with book to keep as their own. Turcol went on to discuss the summer reading program. The program was instated at the end of the last school year when each student was given a summer reading packet to encourage them to read throughout the summer. When the students return in August, they will turn in the reading form to their teacher and be given a token for a Dairy Queen treat as well as other recognition. Turcol is working on the ISAT report for the teachers so they will know how last year’s students scored as well as enable them to begin working on the students’ skills immediately.
Tieman reads the superintendent's report.
Ms. Lori Emmons then gave the principals report for the middle school. Emmons said registration is set to begin August 2nd, and all information regarding sign-ups can be found on the districts website. Emmons also advised the board that baseball practice will begin next week. The ISAT data was compiled from individual student scores by Emmons through the student information systems on the ISBE website. According to her data, 6th grade had 51 students increase in Language Arts while 25 fell and 66 students increased in Math while 15 fell. In 7th grade, 80 students increased in Language Arts while 13 fell and 63 increased in Math while 17 fell. In 8th grade, 49 students increased in Language Arts and 13 fells while 52 students increased in Math and 5 fell. Overall, the middle school noticed a slight increase, but is still not meeting comparing to the rest of the nation.
Mr. Dennis Tiburzi then updated what is going on in the high school. Tiburzi stated that registration is slated for next week and an informational meeting on “8th period” is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9 at 6:00 pm in the cafeteria. Tiburzi also advised the board that the freshmen orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 11 at 6:00pm and a meet and greet with the new band director is scheduled for July 30 at 1:00 in the afternoon. Tiburzi provided insight on the athletics also. 10 footballs helmets were received from a $1500 grant from USA Football, this is the fourth year the program has received this grant. The football team just got back from Vanderbilt were they competed in a 7 on 7 passing tournament. The girls volleyball team competed in a summer tournament and the JV squad did very well in Auburn, Tiburzi said. Both the girls and boys basketball summer programs are wrapping up as well as the boys soccer program. The soccer program just completed a summer camp and Tiburzi announced that all home games will now be played at the Coal County Sports Complex near Little Dog Mine now.
Board listens to Hyde explaining the energy efficient features incorporated in the new school.
In old business, Hyde and Bernot explained the school in Richardsville they viewed over the weekend. Bernot explained the school is one of his greatest experiences in his life and he highly advised the board to consider halting construction and having Hyde draw up a 2 story plan that could potentially save the district 10 million dollars. After much debate from Griffel and other board members, no action was taken. Griffel said the contracts for the mine grouting is already signed and to reject the contract now would be a tedious process as well as a possible lawsuit. Bernot assured him that the contract has not even been signed “for one” and “If you read the contract,” Bernot stated, “we have the option to null any contract at any time.” Alepra added that waiting on construction could jeopardize the CBD grant. Bernot persistently went on to advice the board that they are just a phone call away. “I am sure they would understand that we could potentially save them millions of dollars, I am sure we would get our extension then,” Bernot said. With much debate, the board decided it was proper to go ahead with the $27 million dollar school and there will be no changes to the design.
Bernot seemed to get the last word in again, “There is an elephant in here; is it our objective to spend the most money on this school and send the bill to the taxpayers? No, but that is what it seems like you all want to do! We had 2 designs for the school, a ‘H’ design and a ‘V’ design. As you all know, the ‘H’ was $150,000 cheaper and yet we still went with the ‘V’. Now that is only $150,000, we are talking $10 million dollars here! Our architect just stood before you and told you that 2 story building would be cheaper, and yet none of you blink. I went to Kentucky to compare two schools and I come back and tell yous that this new design could save $10 million dollars and none of you blink an eye.”
With no other comments, the board moved on to awarding bids. The board awarded trash, fuel, milk, and bread bids. With a motion made by Alepra, seconded by Dobrino, the district awarded the trash bid to Merritt of Bunker Hill. Merritt will cost $17,550 for 3 years and there will be no increase each year. The fuel bid was awarded to M&M Service Company of Carlinville, the milk bid to Prairie Farms in Carlinville, and the bread bid to IBC Sales Preparation of Peoria for FSY 2012 as presented.
In new business, motion made by Hayes, seconded by Carter to approve student fees for FSY 2012 as presented. All $20 classes were raised to $25. Driver’s Education remained at $50 for this year, but is expected to be raised FSY 2013. Welding class was raised from $50 to $60. The parking sticker fee was also raised from $50 to $60. The textbook rental fees remained the same as well as the locker fee and all cafeteria food prices.
In other new business, motion made by Alepra, seconded by Dobrino to keep executive session minutes from March 2010 to February 2011 closed and to destroy executive session tapes from September 2008 to August 2009.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:18 and the next board meeting is scheduled for August 15 at 7:00pm.
Comments
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.
Comments
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
Comments
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
Comments
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