Community News
PARCC scores improve in CUSD 7
The board was introduced to three new district teachers— Katie Prange, high school accounting and English teacher; Lee Harrison, art teacher; and Vanessa Kolesar, second grade teacher.
A year after facing criticism from the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education for substandard student scores on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests, administrators presented reports showing marked improvement during the regular monthly board meeting on Monday night.
“There’s a tremendous amount of good news in these reports,” Supt. Joe Tieman told the board. “There are some areas of concern as well.” Tieman described the information presented to the board Monday night as “preliminary,” indicating more complete reports will be presented next month when the state releases School Report Cards for the local school district and school systems statewide.
“All I can say is ‘wow’,” Board President Mark Hayes commented after reviewing the test score data. “You guys took some criticism and some heat from this board last year. You came through with flying colors. Keep up the good work.”
Building administrators came under fire last October over declining scores on the state’s standardized tests to assess student performance. The board later chose not to renew a contract with Lori Emmons to serve as high school principal. In April, Carlinville resident Shane Owsley was hired to step into the position Emmons vacated.
Like Emmons, Ben-Gil Elementary Principal Angela Turcol was criticized last year for declining test scores, but reports presented Monday night documented significantly improved performance among district elementary students. Turcol attributed the improvement to revised teaching strategies as well as the fact that test administrators allowed students to take the test last spring with pencil and paper instead of using computers.
[pullquote]There’s a tremendous amount of good news in these reports[/pullquote]
“Eventually they want everyone to do computer-based testing,” Turcol said. “For now, we’re going to stick with pencil and paper. It’s what the students are comfortable with.”
Tieman singled out Turcol for high praise, saying she took on the challenge of working with teachers to revamp teaching strategies.
Middle School Principal Jill Rosentreter presented comparisons showing improvements in English/Language Arts and mathematics among current fifth and sixth grade students. Among fifth graders, who took the test last school year, substantially more students met or approached, met or exceeded expectations than the same students a year earlier when they were tested as third graders. Likewise, more students who took the test last year as fifth graders approached, met or exceeded expectations as the same students when the took the test as third graders and fourth graders.
Rosentreter said the data is especially useful because it compares the same group of students from one academic year to the next.
“You’re comparing apples to apples?” board member Weye Schmidt asked.
“Yes,” Rosentreter replied.
As part of the strategy to improve scores, Rosentreter said instructors “started targeting skills (students) needed,” based on the results of the previous year’s testing.
“You can see from our scores that it did have an impact on our kids,” she said. “I’m very pleased with how our kids performed. There was significant improvement last year.”
Until this past spring, high school students took an ACT test to evaluate performance. For the 2016-17 school year, the state switched from the ACT test to the SAT test for high schoolers. Tieman and Owsley both suggested that switch makes it more difficult to make comparisons to determine whether or not student performance has improved and, if so, to what degree. Owsley reported, however, that he was able to track improvements from the time when students took a pre-SAT test in the fall and the actual SAT in the spring.
He noted a gain of nearly 40 points in reading and writing skills and a gain of nearly 44 points in math. The State Board of Education has not yet set the standard for SAT performance, but the College Board reported a statewide average for students meeting benchmarks in both math and language skills at 37 percent. Gillespie High School students came in at 36 percent, on the cusp of the statewide average.
Wills, a vice president with First Midstate Investment Bankers, Inc., Bloomington, told the board a downward trend in interest rates has created “an opportunity” for the district to refund the bonds at a lower rate.
Owsley said 37 of the 74 Gillespie students who were tested scored above the national average for the test. Eleven local students were in the top 20 percent in the country, and one student scored in the 99 percentile.
He said both GHS English and math departments are discussing the SAT results and the resources they have available to better prepare students for the test.
“I’m really impressed by what Mr. Owsley has put in place,” Tieman said. “Our SAT scores were probably higher than what we would have expected last year, and I expect to see them continue to go up.”
BOND REFINANCING
The board took no immediate action regarding the refinancing of nearly $7 million in construction bonds issued to build the BenGil Elementary School after hearing a brief presentation from Kevin Wills, a vice president with First Midstate Investment Bankers, Inc., Bloomington.
Wills said a downward trend in interest rates has created “an opportunity” for the district to refund the bonds at a lower rate. Special state legislation was required for the district to issue the bonds on an emergency basis in order to build a replacement facility for the Benld Elementary School, which was destroyed by mine subsidence. Within the legislation are provisions allowing the district to refund the bonds up until the call date on Dec. 1, 2021. The current rate is approximately 5.9 percent, but Wills said the district could refinance the bonds at a rate of less than four percent.
Using a current rate of 3.7 percent, Wills offered two scenarios for the board to consider.
“Neither of these is a recommendation,” he said. “They’re just something for you guys to consider. This is nothing more than getting this out there for you to consider.”
[pullquote]Wills said the biggest “pro” of the proposal would be the district being able to lock in a new, lower rate for the bonds.[/pullquote]
In one scenario, the district could refinance the bonds and continue making approximately the same payments toward the balance and capture a savings of about $540,000 at the end of the bond of issue. In the second scenario, the district could use savings to retire part of the debt and make lower payments toward retiring the bonds in fiscal 2034.
“In this scenario, they’re still paid off in that fiscal year, so we are not extending anything,” Wills said. The second scenario would result in savings of about $20,000 per year, which would translate into a reduction of three or four cents in the tax levy. That tax levy would help mitigate against a levy increase built into the $2.5 million Working Cash bond issue approved earlier this year, but the overall savings to the district would be about $180,000 less than the first scenario.
Responding to a question from Supt. Tieman, Wills said the biggest “pro” of the proposal would be the district being able to lock in a new, lower rate for the bonds. The only downside he could cite was the fact that the bonds can only be refunded once. If the district experienced a financial downturn before the bonds are due in 2034, it would be unable to exercise its option to refinance without incurring taxes on the proceeds. “It could end up costing you more money,” he said.
Tieman suggested the board should explore the options and make a determination at a later date.
“I think it’s something we need to explore,” he said. “I’m not in the business of turning down savings, but I think I need to talk with Kevin and decide what makes more sense for the district.” Ultimately, if the district chooses to refund the bond issue, the plan could be one of the scenarios Wills outlined Monday night or yet another option to be determined during further discussions with First Midstate.
LAWSUIT CDs
Upon a recommendation made by Tieman during the budget hearing, the board approved a plan to invest $2.4 million of the Union Pacific lawsuit settlement in certificates of deposit with United Community Bank. The money will in invested in tiers for 12, 24 and 36 months.
Tieman said he asked for both United Community Bank and First National Bank-Benld to submit bids for the investment.
[pullquote]I’m recommending United Community Bank because their rates were better[/pullquote]
“I’m recommending United Community Bank because their rates were better,” he said. In addition, UCB agreed to waive any penalties for early withdrawal if the district finds it needs to tap into the money before the CDs mature.
“It’s a win-win for the district and an opportunity to capture some interest,” Tieman said.
During the discussion, board member Weye Schmidt asked about considering First National’s bid since the difference in the interest rate was one-tenth of one percent for some CD increments. Tieman said he recommended taking the best bid and pointed out that First National is the designated depository for the district’s state aid payments.
Brought to a vote, the measure was approved unanimously with Jenni Alepra, UCB Gillespie branch manager, voting present.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The board voted unanimously to adopt a 10-page strategic plan to guide school improvement efforts over the next three years. The plan, which Tieman described as a goal-setting document, was developed by a committee that included administrators, teachers, and community representatives. It was chaired by board member Schmidt.
The plan addresses six areas of educational administration: 1.) Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; 2.) Student Discipline; 3.) Building and Grounds; 4.) Technology; 5.) School Culture; and 6.) Financial Stability. In addition to identifying areas the district needs to address, the document sets specific goals, target dates for reaching those goals and mechanisms for evaluating whether or not the goals are sufficiently met.
“Once the board approves this, it will become a ‘fluid’ working document,” Tieman said, noting that it will be subject to being updated and revised as strategies are implemented.
Tieman specifically thanked Schmidt and committee members for their work on the document. The committee began work on the plan in September 2014.
“They volunteered a lot of time and a lot of effort,” Tieman said.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of more than one hour, the board voted to promote Jacqueline McKinney to the position of head cook at Ben-Gil Elementary School and to post the position she currently holds as vacant. The board also voted unanimously to post an open position for a paraprofessional to serve as a classroom aid at Gillespie Middle School. Gina Frensko was unanimously approved as a volunteer high school cheerleading coach.
Also in the area of personnel, the board was introduced to three new district teachers—Vanessa Kolesar, second-grade teacher; Katie Prange, high school accounting and English teacher; and Lee Harrison, art teacher.
As a district focus, Middle School Principal Rosentreter recognized Stephanie Wilson, seventh grade English and language arts teacher.
As a district focus, Middle School Principal Rosentreter recognized Stephanie Wilson, seventh grade English and language arts teacher. Rosentreter said Wilson recently has secured more than $1,200 in grants for her classroom including a $100 scholarship, a $650 grant from the Illinois Retired Teachers and a $500 classroom grant from the Partnership for Educational Excellence.
“She consistently creates an environment for teaching,” Rosentreter said, “and she has created a culture where students enjoy reading.”
Rosentreter said Wilson has trained other teachers in analyzing testing data, and she holds book clubs in her classroom for seventh and eighth-grade students during lunch periods.
TEACHER CONTRACT
Jennifer Brown with the local chapter of the Illinois Federation of Teachers reported to the board that teachers will meet on Oct. 3 with a union representative to discuss and vote on ratifying a proposed teachers contract. A special meeting of the board is set for Oct. 4 to finalize approval of the contract.
“We look forward to meeting with you either later that day or another date,” Brown said.
DONATION
Supt. Tieman reported to the board that Dave DeLaurent of DeLaurent Construction had donated striping for a parking lot project his company recently completed for the school. In addition, he said DeLaurent donated $500 to defray the cost of students participating in a bowling program during the winter months.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Approved a performance trip for the high school band and chorus to New Orleans set for Feb. 15-19. Tieman said participating students will miss one day of school, but the trip will not interfere with families’ plans for Easter as in past years. He also reported that all chaperones will be subject to a background check.
- Approved an update to the list of Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee members, changing Dennis Tiburzi’s status from “community member” to “board member.”
- Voted to renew the district’s liability and workers compensation insurance policy at a cost of $239,107. Tieman said the premium is about $1,800 less than last year, with the bulk of the reduction attributed toan drop in the workers compensation premium.
- Approved a revision to the district’s wrestling team cooperative agreement with the Mount Olive school district, allowing Staunton students to also participate on the team.
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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.
