Community News
School Board approves tax levy, rehires fall coaching staff
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night approved a $3,561,741 levy for 2022 property taxes collectible in 2023. The levy proposal now goes to the County Clerk, who will determine the amount of tax revenue the school actually is entitled to receive on the basis of the current equalized assessed valuation and restrictions in place under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995. PTELL generally restricts increases in the tax extension to no more than five percent or the consumer price index, whichever is less. For the first time since PTELL was enacted, this year’s consumer price index, essentially the rate of inflation, exceeded five percent. In theory, the district could capture a full five percent increase in property tax revenue for next year.
Supt. Shane Owsley presented a detailed PowerPoint regarding the proposed levy last month before it was placed on file for a public review. Because the proposed levy exceeded last year’s tax extension by more than five percent, the board was required to conduct a public hearing Monday night before voting to approve the levy. The hearing, as usual, was more of a formality since no members of the public appeared before the board to ask questions or comment on the levy proposal.
The board typically levies for more than the district actually is entitled to receive in order to maximize property tax revenue. The levy request, for example, exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,186,897 by more than $400,000. With the application of tax caps, however, the district expects to receive no more than $3,375,869 of the $3,561,741 it is requesting.
Broken down by fund, the proposed levy seeks to generate $1,568,864 for the Education Fund, $410,370 for Operations and Maintenance, $166,244 for Transportation, $37,722 for Working Cash, $109,322 for IMRF, $98,890 for Social Security, $222,459 for the Tort Fund, $30,395 for Special Education, and $917,475 for the Bond and Interest Fund.
The levy was unanimously approved on a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Board President Mark Hayes.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of nearly three hours to discuss personnel, the board voted unanimously to reappoint the entire fall sports coaching staff for the 2023-24 school year.
Board members also voted to hire Amanda Manley for a six-hour food service position at BenGil Elementary School, Cara Schalk for a six-hour food service shift at Gillespie High School/Middle School, Brad Snyder for a three-hour food service spot at BenGil Elementary School, and Janice Allan for a three-hour food service shift at the high school/middle school.
The board also voted unanimously to hire Lance Jarman as a substitute bus driver.
FUND TRANSFER
In other action, the board voted unanimously to transfer $75,000 from the district’s Occupation Retail Tax Fund to the Bond and Interest Fund, and to abate the same amount in property taxes revenue for 2022. The action, taken annually for the past several years, keeps the board’s commitment to use 20 percent of money received from a school facilities sales tax approved by voters several years ago to pay down bonds sold to finance construction of the BenGil Elementary School.
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Mt. Olive, IL — The vibrant community of Mt. Olive is proud to host the 4th Annual International Mother Jones Festival on Sunday, May 4th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary labor leader and activist, Mother Jones. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of live music, engaging programs, and historic tours, culminating in a special tribute at Union Miners’ Cemetery, where Mother Jones is laid to rest.
Highlights of the Festival Include:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by Casting Runes, Wildflower Conspiracy, and Piasa Canyon.
- Family Activities: Kids and the young at heart can participate in a magic and medicine show by Dr. Longhair, as well as a hands-on shoe-making activity inspired by Mother Jones’ famous footwear used in her miners’ strikes.
- Historical Reenactments: Loretta Williams, the only actress to portray Mother Jones in both her native Ireland (City Cork) and at her final resting place, will perform a special program at the library, bringing Jones’ story to life for audiences of all ages.
Special Events & Tours:
- A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between downtown and Union Miners’ Cemetery.
- Guided tours will be offered by docents at the cemetery and the Friends of Mother Jones Museum, providing insight into her life and enduring impact.
Food & Refreshments:
Kazoo Coffee will serve their signature Hell Raiser blend—created in honor of Mother Jones—along with B&K Bakery cookies, as well as a variety of food and beverages to keep festival-goers energized.
In Case of Weather Changes:
All downtown activities will relocate indoors to City Hall and the library, ensuring the celebration continues rain or shine.
Come celebrate the spirit of activism, history, and community at this meaningful event honoring one of America’s most influential labor leaders. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities!
For more information, contact the Mother Jones Museum at 618-659-8759 or email friendsofmotherjonesmuseum@gmail.com.
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The Friends of the Library are excited to invite the community to an exclusive “Snap-On Jewelry” demonstration hosted by jewelry artist Jodi Flack. The event will take place on Monday, May 5th, at 6 p.m. in the Gillespie Public Library.
During this engaging program, Jodi will showcase her beautiful collection of snap-on jewelry, featuring versatile necklaces and bracelets with interchangeable pendants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various styles and options available, making it a perfect occasion to find a special gift or add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.
Jewelry will be available for purchase at the event, making it an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift or a special treat for yourself.
Don’t miss this chance to discover stylish, customizable jewelry and support the Friends of the Library. All are welcome!
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.
Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
