Community News
School board approves $19 million budget, seeks exemption from publishing report
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve an $19 million budget for fiscal 2026, agreed to seek an exemption from publishing an annual statement of affairs, and approved the sale and/or trade of three district-owned properties in Gillespie.
Approval of the budget followed a 30-minute public hearing during which Supt. Shane Owsley discussed details of the document that will govern spending for the current fiscal year. Though the hearing is required by law, no members of the public attended the hearing. The proposed budget had been on file for 30 days for public review prior to Monday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board.
The budget projects anticipated expenditures of $19,426,544 for the fiscal year that began July first, against estimated revenue of $18,623.620. With those numbers, the district would expect a deficit at the end of the fiscal year of $802,924. However, Owsley explained, that deficit could be less or non-existent because he included up to one percent of the Education Fund and Transportation Fund for unexpected contingencies. Moreover, his revenue estimates are extremely conservative, projecting a decline of 1.45 percent from last year.
“As I emphasize every year, the budget is a plan,” Owsley told the board. “There are going to be things that come up. We probably will need to make adjustments at the end of the year. I do a cash flow analysis every month, and I will keep you updated throughout the year.”
For the Education Fund, the budget anticipates total revenue of $14,359,304. The lion’s share of that revenue is expected to come from state sources. More than $9.8 million of the Education Fund’s revenue is expected to come from state aid, representing 68 percent of the total. Local funding in the form of property taxes, book rentals, lunch fees, and other sources is expected to provide $2,381,840, or 17 percent of the total revenue, while $2,170,864 in federal funding will account for 15 percent of the Education Fund’s total revenue.
“Most of our money for Education comes from the state,” Owsley commented, adding that federal funding will be likely to decline in the future as COVID response programs such as Elementary and Secondary School Rescue (ESSR) expire.
The budget anticipates $14,663,346 in expenditures from the Education Fund, resulting in a $304,042 deficit. A total of $8,753,709 of the expenditures is allotted for Education, with $3,867,629 earmarked for Support Services and $1,854,841 tagged for payments to other school districts. A total of $120,000 is set aside for contingencies which would reduce the end-of-the-year deficit if not used.
The Transportation Fund is expected to receive $1,013,595 in revenue, with local funds covering 26 percent, or $258,595, of the total. State funds are expected to comprise the lion’s share of the funding at $755,000. However, a portion of the state’s share will come from Evidence Based Funding originally intended to support education costs.
Approved by the state legislature in 2017, Evidence Based Funding directed new state revenue to school districts that are farthest from achieving adequacy targets needed to pay for a quality education. While the law was intended to boost support for education services, Owsley said cuts in transportation funding are forcing school districts to commit some EBF funds to support transportation costs. He said the General Assembly is considering legislation to address the disparity in the future.
Simultaneously, the amount of EBF funds the district receives is declining, largely because the Gillespie School District has been moved from Tier I priority to Tier II, meaning it is coming closer to reacher the state-identified level of adequate funding for education.
“The good news is that we’re closer to being fully funded,” Owsley said. “The bad news is that it kicks us up from Tier I to Tier II.” As a result, EBF revenue is expected to drop from more than $300,000 last year to just $121,147 this fiscal year.
“That’s less than half of what we got last year,” Owsley said.
The new budget anticipates Transportation Fund expenditures of $1,002,091 for fiscal 2026. About 77 percent of those expenditures is earmarked for salaries and supplies, with 18 percent set aside for debt service. The budget sets asides .5 percent, or $50,000, for contingencies.
The Building Fund, which pays for operations and maintenance, is expected to receive $793,648 in revenue, with local funding covering 57 percent, or $456,759. Federal funding is expected to account for 25 percent while the state is expected to cover 18 percent. Expenditures from the Building Fund are expected to total $785,889, primarily for general maintenance, utilities, supplies and custodial services.
For Debt Service, the school district expects to receive evenue of $1,125,850 from the county School Facilities Sales Tax and expend an equal amount.
For Capital Projects, the district expects $375,405 in revenue from state and local sources but expects expenditures of $791,066, resulting in a deficit of $412,667.
The budget projects revenue of $270,083 in revenue for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and Social Security. About 86 percent of that revenue will come from local sources, bolstered with an injection of $38,500 in EBF money. Anticipated expenditures of $479,746, will result in a deficit of $209,663 for the fund.
Revenue for the Tort Fund, primarily used for legal expenses, is expected to be $582,600 with projected expenditures of $582,556. If those numbers hold for the year, the Tort Fund will end the year $44 dollars in the black. Like the retirement fund, the Tort Fund’s revenue will come from local sources with the support of EBF money.
Working Cash, often described as a rainy day fund, is expected to get $100,135 in revenue from local sources. No expenditures are anticipated. When added to the current Working Cash Fund, the fund should end the year with a balance of $3,024,798.
Owsley said he plans to apply for a state Maintenance Grant of $50,000 which would mitigate against the deficit. He also pledged to apply for additional grants as they become available.
The budget compares revenue and expenditures by line item for the fiscal year. A truer picture of the district’s financial health lay in the fund balances. The total of all fund balances at the end of fiscal year 2025 was $15,920,564. At the end of the current fiscal year, that total is expected to drop to $15,117,640 as the district taps into reserves to meet its obligations. With $15 million in reserves against a $19 million budget, the district has about 80 percent of a year’s worth of operational costs.
Responding to a question from Amanda Ross, board member, Owsley said delays in property tax disbursements from the county have not had a significant impact on the district’s finances so far.
“We’re very fortunate to have reserves, so it hasn’t been issue for us over the past couple of years,” he said. “As reserves get spent down, it could be a problem if the delays continue.”
STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS WAIVER
The board also conducted a hearing on whether or not the district should apply for a waiver exempting the district from publishing an annual statement of affairs, ultimately authorizing the superintendent to apply for such a waiver.
State law previously required all school districts to publish a statement of affairs (basically a listing of salary ranges for all district staff and faculty) in a local newspaper. Recent legislation allows districts to apply for a five-year waiver exempting them from the requirement.
Owsley said publishing the report typically runs about $750 annually. A five year waiver would result in a savings of about $4,000.
If the waiver is granted, the district will post the annual report on its webpage.
PROPERTY SALES/TRADE
Following a 40-minute executive session to discuss personnel and real estate, the board voted unanimously to deed a district-owned lot on Park Avenue, Gillespie adjacent to Bear Creek to the City of Gillespie in exchange for city-owned parcel on the city’s northeast side that is adjacent to another parcel owned by the school. The transaction is subject to approval by the Gillespie City Council at a later date
The city reportedly has wanted to acquire the Park Avenue parcel to access Bear Creek for maintenance work without trespassing on private property.
The board also voted to sell two lots on the city’s northeast side located west of Illinois Route 4 to John Blank for $750 each, plus legal costs associated with the transaction. Board Member Dennis Tiburzi recused himself from the vote to preclude conflicts of interests due to his employment with the Macoupin County Public Health Department, which is directed by Blank’s wife.
All three parcels were declared surplus property several months ago.
SIXTH DAY ENROLLMENT
The board briefly discussed the district’s sixth day enrollment report which shows a continuing downward trend in enrollment.
Total district attendance has declined from 1,073 last year to 1,044 this year. Owsley provided an 11-year summary showing attendance has steadily declined from 1,325 students enrolled in 2015-16.
With 495 students, enrollment at Ben-Gil Elementary School is down from 498 last year and 645 in 2015-16. Middle School enrollment is down to 237 from 245 last year and 310 in 2015-16. High School enrollment is down to 312 from 330 a year ago and 370 in 2015-16.
Owsley said CUSD 7 is far from alone in dealing with declining enrollment.
“We’re at an all-time low for all three buildings,” he said. “Every single school in the county has seen decreases in enrollment. Every school in the South Central Conference is seeing declines.”
Owsley said CUSD 7’s enrollment decline rate is the third fastest in the county. He said administrators will be studying birth rates and other data to predict future potential declines in enrollment.
“The days of having 100 or more students in a class have definitely gone away,” he said.
Since state aid payments are based on enrollment, serious declines in enrollment can affect a district’s access to state revenue.
PERSONNEL
As result of executive session discussion, the board voted unanimously to hire Jeff Nehls as Gillespie High School head women’s track and field coach, and voted unanimously to hire Michael Otten as the freshmen men’s basketball coach.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Ross, the board voted unanimously to appoint Asia Washington as a volunteer high school cheerleading coach, pending confirmation of certification and a routine background check.
In separate actions, the board hired Ben Maddox as a full-route bus driver, and accepted the resignation of Quentin Heyen as a full-time bus driver. By a unanimous vote, the board hired Leah Maddox-Taylor as a substitute bus driver, pending confirmation of certification and a routine background check.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced Chef Andy Hirstein, formerly of the Barracks restaurant, and the Gillespie High School/Middle School cafeteria staff. Hirstein was hired this year to oversee food service in the cafeteria.
“I cannot be happier with what’s going on in the high school/middle school cafeteria,” Owsley said. He read from a list of recent food options offered during the school lunch period, including John Wayne casserole, oven fried chicken, jambalaya, fruit smoothies, Hawaiian chicken wrap and other offerings. “We have a full-blown restaurant in our cafeteria now. We have meals that people would come in off the street and pay for.”
Owsley said Hirstein provided him with a report on the cost of food for the first month of school that was half of food costs for the same period last year. “Not only are we putting out an amazing spread, but are costs are down as well,” Owsley said.
Owsley said the number of students eating lunch on campus hit 300 last week. “For a school with an open campus at lunch, that’s incredible,” he said.
GHS Principal Jill Rosentreter said that apart from the quality of the food, Hirstein and staff have created a “great atmosphere.”
“There is laughter, there is camaraderie, there is respect, there is discussion,” she said. “It’s a completely changed environment.”
In addition to the food quality and atmosphere, GMS Principal Patrick McGinthy said the food presentation is superior.
Board member Kellie Vesper commented on Hirstein’s and staff’s uniforms, saying that contributed to the operation’s professionalism and commands respect from students.
Ross noted that the new emphasis on quality and variety is important because “some kids don’t get to go home to a warm meal at night.”
In addition to Hirstein, the cafeteria staff includes Amy Costello, Makayla Cunningham and Brittany Hughes.
PARTNERSHIP DONATION
Owsley publicly acknowledged a $30,000 grant from the Partnership for Educational Excellence to purchase personal computing devices for students. Over the past four years, the Partnership has donated a total of $120,000 to purchase computer devices for student use.
“We couldn’t do what we do without their generosity,” Owsley said.
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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.
