Community News
School board bans local man from school property, parents make case for school-funded cross country
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night heard a plea from cross-county parents to make the program school-funded, rather than parent-funded, and voted unanimously to ban a local man from school property, meetings and events following an incident on the CUSD 7 from earlier in January.
Speaking on behalf of about 20 parents who attended the meeting, Dustin Fletcher, Benld, asked the board to consider converting the cross-county program from a parent-funded program to a school-funded one. Board President Mark Hayes said the board would refer the issue to Supt. Shane Owsley for a recommendation, but he cautioned that the district has “a couple of parent-funded sports that have been parent-funded a lot longer than cross-country.”
Fletcher said the high school cross-country program started in 2021, followed by a middle school program a year later. Both programs have grown from a handful of participants to a robust and successful program this past year. For 2024, the high school program began with eight girls and 10 boys. The middle school program fielded eight girls and eight boys.
According to Fletcher, the athletes compete as a team as well as individuals.
“There’s more than one way for a kid to experience growth,” he said. “They can compete as a team but also challenge themselves.”
In addition, Fletcher said cross-country participants can pursue their sport long after graduation.
“Some kids don’t get to play their sport after high school, if they don’t make the team in college,” he noted. “Cross-country kids can run the rest of their lives.” Running as adults has multiple benefits, he said, including physical fitness and improved mental health.
Fletcher reported the 2024 season was the teams’ most successful. The middle school girls were Southwestern Invitational champions, and Harper Thackery qualified for state. At the high school level, the girls team produced two all-conference designees. The girls team also placed sixth at Regionals and advanced to Sectionals. The boys team was Conference Champions, placed third at Regionals and advanced to Sectionals. The boys produced five All-Conference runners. Despite losing one of the team’s strongest runners for medical reasons, the boys placed sixth at Sectionals and advanced to State, where they placed 27th. Chaz Oberkfell had an outstanding season, with eight meet victories, and championships at the Conference, Sectional and State levels. Oberkfell posted the fastest time in Gillespie High School history, and was the first two-time All State in the school’s history. He was the first State Champion in GHS, Macoupin County, and Conference history.
With the teams’ success this past season, Fletcher said the school should be able to start charging admission to meets to help defray the costs. “It’s the most interactive sport for parents and spectators,” he said.
Fletcher estimated the annual basic costs associated with the middle school and high school programs at about $13,375, including entry fees for 14 meets, coaching stipends and transportation. Additionally, the programs could incur incidental or variable expenses of $5,300 for uniforms, hosting costs, coaching clinics and a tent the team occasionally uses. The variable expenses also include $1,000 for lodging and food to participate in the State meet.
“That’s an expense I hope you have every year,” Fletcher joked.
He said parents would continue their role as sports boosters, raising money for all school-funded sports programs. Those fundraising activities include a run-a-thon, bake sales, concession revenues, t-shirt sales, and donations.
Dean Plovich, one of the parents attending in support of the proposal, noted that the program does not have a field to maintain, making it less expensive than most other sport programs.
Hayes told the group the board would refer the issue to Owsley for a recommendation at a later date.
LOCAL MAN BANNED FROM PROPERTY
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted unanimously to ban Steve Laurent from school property, meetings and events for the remainder of the calendar year in connection with a Jan. 9 incident at BenGil Elementary School.
Laurent is accused of “exhibiting improper conduct and behavior, including yelling, use of profanity, and eventually threatening the District’s superintendent,” according to a statement prepared by the School District and made available to the public in compliance with state law. Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe confirmed a police report was filed in connection with the incident but declined to release details pending a decision from the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s office regarding whether or not to file criminal charges.
A Gillespie police officer attended Monday night’s meeting, presumably as a precaution.
The incident apparently is related to Laurent’s concerns over elementary students waiting outside for buses or to be picked up during cold weather. A consent agenda accepted by the board indicated Laurent had filed Freedom of Information Act requests for video evidence recorded between 2:35 and 2:50 on Jan. 9 on the north side of BenGil Elementary School where first grade students are released, along with a copy of the district’s cold weather policy.
PERSONNEL
After a 45-minute executive session to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to approve the district’s seniority list for both certificated and non-certificated employees.
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board extended Supt. Owsley’s contract by one-year. The superintendent is subject to a three-year contract, meaning his new contract is extended to the 2027-28 school year. The board conducted a performance review in executive session during last month’s meeting.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Radeano Gertzyel and Alexandria Newton, both of whom are teachers at BenGil Elementary School. Both leaves are set to start approximately May 5.
Jordan Bartok was employed by a unanimous vote as a coordinator for a grant-funded Gear-Up program designed to help prepare students for college, trade school or a career.
Board members accepted the resignation of part-time cafeteria worker Brittany Harbison, effective Jan. 23, and voted to post a vacancy for a three-hour cafeteria position.
Michael Otten was appointed as an assistant coach for the parent-funded women’s soccer program, pending a routine background check.
DISCLOSURE REPORT
Supt. Owsley briefly discussed contents of a financial disclosure statement mandated by the Securities Exchange Act in connection with various bonds issued by the school district.
Among the data included in the report are outstanding general obligation bonded debt in the amount of $9.36 million, and alternate revenue bonded debt totaling about $1.6 million. Owsley said the report suggests the district may wish to refinance general obligation bonded debt to extend the life of bonds by one year, meaning the bonds would be retired in 2036.
The report shows ending balances for all funds at the end of the 2024 fiscal year totaling $15,313,418—nearly double the $8,191.723 the district had on hand at the end of the 2019 fiscal year.
Owsley noted a steady growth in the district’s total equalized assessed valuation from $74,961,151 in 2019 to $103,564,334 in 2023. Additionally, the total property tax rate has fallen from $4.17412 in 2019 to $3.34525 in 2023. The property tax rate for CUSD 7, Owsley said, is “one of the lowest in the county.”
State aid provides the lion’s share of funding for the local education system at 58.09 percent. Federal money covers 22.65 percent of the costs, while local sources (including property taxes) account for 19.26 percent.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment early in the meeting, GHS Principal Jill Rosentreter and GMS Principal Patrick McGinty recognized art students who placed in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program. The 100-year-old program recognizes students nationwide for artistic endeavors.
Local students competed in the Mid-Central Illinois region. A total of 728 entries were received from 28 school districts. Only 257 entries were accepted into the juried art show. Gold Keys were awarded the creators of 52 pieces; 66 pieces earned Silver Keys and 139 were recognized as honorable mentions.
CUSD 7 students who placed in the competition include:
- Ceanna Bearden, Silver Key for a piece titled “Infinite Rust,” and honorable mention for a piece titled “Mowgli.”
- Reanna Compton, honorable mention for a piece titled “Can’t I Do Something?”
- Abigail Sharp, honorable mention for a piece titled “tic-tax-toe waffle.”
- Lila Shuey, Silver Key, for a piece titled “Nature Vessel.”
- Jayden Stangle, Silver Key, for a piece titled “By the Shore.”
- Sydney Wilson, honorable mentions for photos titled “Bleacher Maze” and “Shoot for the Sky.”
Both Rosentreter and McGinty thanked art instructors Nikki Browner and Casey Edgerton for guiding and inspiring the student artists.
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Community News
Benld prepares to celebrate 72nd annual Italian American Days over Memorial Day weekend
A beloved community tradition returns this Memorial Day weekend as the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days brings three days of food, music, and family fun to Benld City Park from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24.
Hosted by the Italian Club of Benld, the long-running festival celebrates the area’s rich Italian heritage while welcoming visitors from across the region for a full slate of activities.
Festivalgoers can expect a wide variety of homemade Italian favorites served throughout the weekend, including salami and meatball sandwiches, tortellini soup, bagna cauda, and cannoli. A daily fish fry featuring cod and whiting will also be available, along with classic festival fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian beef, and carnival treats. Beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase.
In addition to the food, the event will feature carnival rides provided by Conner Family Amusement, Inc., with unlimited ride sessions offered throughout the weekend. Bingo will be held nightly at 7:00 p.m., and festival-themed shirts will be available for purchase.
Live music and dancing will take center stage each evening. Friday night entertainment includes a performance by Flip the Frog from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., with the park open from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday highlights include the Italian Club Car Show, with registration from 8:00 a.m. to noon and judging beginning at noon. The park opens at 11:00 a.m., and live music will feature Pat Jones in the afternoon followed by Borderline in the evening.
Sunday kicks off with the “Meatballs on the Run” 5K at 9:00 a.m., sponsored by the Gillespie Cross Country Boosters. You can sign-up to participate online here. The day continues with free spaghetti served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a bocce ball tournament beginning at noon, and a full lineup of live music throughout the day, including performances by Unbroken, Syner-Gee, and B&B Strings.
Connors Family Amusements will provide carnival armbands for $30. Armbands will be valid Friday (May 22) from 6:00 to 10 :00 p.m. and again on Saturday (May 23rd) and Sunday (May 24th) from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m, Advanced armband sales will be available from May 4th through May 21st at the Frank Bertetti Public Library and Benld City Hall for $25. Debit and Credit Cards will NOT be accepted.
Organizers note that no outside beverages are permitted in the park or at club events.
With its mix of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit, the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days promises to once again be a highlight of the summer season in Macoupin County. For more information and updates, follow the festival on Facebook at Benld Italian American Days.
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Gillespie will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, May 11 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym.
To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 7101336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available
through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.
For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 7475401. Donors who last gave blood on or before March 16, 2026, are eligible to give at this drive.
Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit community organization providing blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as researchers and resource sharing partners across the country.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Wednesday night approved a package of four capital improvement projects totaling more than $160,000 in value. Work will start on the projects after the end of the current school year and is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026-27 academic year in August.
The board met on Wednesday night after Monday’s inclement weather forced the district to reschedule the board’s regular monthly meeting.
The board approved entering into a contract with Fisher Tracks, Boone, Iowa, to resurface the district’s all-weather track at a cost of $105,209. Supt. Shane Owsley told the board the district will use about $50,000 from an all-weather track activity fund, with the remainder to be paid with proceeds from an alternate revenue bond issue approved last year for capital improvements.
Great Western Abatement, Jerseyville, was retained to remove flooring containing asbestos from the choir room floor and middle school gymnasium school at a cost of $40,700. Great Western’s bid was the lowest of seven bids, ranging up to $65,000, submitted for the work. Additionally, the district is paying $8,900 to Reliable Environmental Services, Springfield, for engineering and design work associated with the asbestos removal.
All-purpose rubberized flooring material will be installed on the middle school gym floor by Dynamic Sports Construction, Leander, Texas, at a cost of $51,424.
For the first time in a number of years, the high school gymnasium floor will be sanded and refinished with new artwork. Blast Technologies, St. Louis, was hired to sand the 4,200-square-foot floor at a cost of $5,250. Designs Unlimited, Pinckneyville, will paint game lines and logos on the floor before sealing it with a clear stain at a cost not to exceed $18,738.
The board also accepted a bid of $33,890 from DeLaurent Construction, Wilsonville, to resurface the 118,700-square-foot parking lot at Benld Elementary School.
Though no action was taken, Board President Mark Hayes reported that the Building and Grounds Committee had directed Owsley to investigate the cost of replacing the CUSD 7 administrative building.
“This building is very much in need of replacement,” Hayes said. “It’s beyond its time.” During Monday’s torrential rainfall, Hayes said water came in through windows and water seeped in under the sill plate, bringing displaced nightcrawlers into the building. Staff members ran fans after the storm in an effort to dry out the interior.
According to Hayes, the school has been in contact with the local Baptist Church to investigate the possibility of acquiring the former Trinity Baptist Church for use as an administrative building. Church officials, however, have not yet made a decision about the fate of the former sanctuary after Gillespie’s two Baptist churches merged.
Owsley said the current administrative building comprises about 6,000 square feet. Current estimates are $400 per square foot for new construction which would translate into about $2.5 million to replace the administrative facility. The district might be able to shave some dollars off that estimate by reducing the size of the building.
“There’s a lot of unusable space in this building,” Owsley said, suggesting a more efficient floorpan could reduce cost. He also mentioned the possibility of a basement to provide storage space for outdated documents.
In addition to construction costs, Owsley noted, the district would be responsible for tearing down the existing building.
“I have no idea what’s in this building,” Owsley said, raising abatement concerns. “I’m guessing disposal of this building is going to be expensive.”
Hayes said Kevin Wills, the district’s bond issue advisor, will attend the June board meeting to discuss the possibility of refinancing some existing bonds to free up enough revenue to build a new administrative building. The administration currently is housed in a “temporary” structure that has served as the administration building for several decades.
MINE SUBSIDENCE STUDY
After several minutes of discussion, the board took no action in relation to entering into a contract with Marino Engineering and Associates to assess the district’s risk for incurring damage from a mine subsidence event. Owsley said existing maps show that portions of Gillespie Middle School are undermined. While the high school is not undermined, a major subsidence would likely damage the high school as well as the middle school. In recent months, more than one residential home on Elm Street near the school property has experienced damage from mine subsidence.
Marino’s $94,000 Phase I proposal would “determine the likelihood of something happening to one of our buildings,” Owsley said. The problem is that too much information could negatively impact the district’s ability to purchase subsidence insurance. “Information is great until it’s not.”
The district currently pays about $300,000 for mine subsidence insurance on the middle school, high school and vocational arts building. The school carries no subsidence insurance on BenGil Elementary because mine shafts under the building were grouted before the school was built.
“If we find out there’s not a major concern,” Owsley noted, it could reduce the district’s subsidence insurance costs.
On the other hand, if the study reveals a high risk of experiencing mine subsidence, the insurer could drop the district at the end of the current policy’s term. With only two companies in the country offering subsidence insurance, the district could end up with no insurance at all to cover damage from mine subsidence.
The only way to avoid that scenario would be to implement whatever options Marino might recommend to reduce risk. Those recommendations would likely include grouting (backfilling) mine shafts under the middle school. Grouting for the elementary school cost $4 million. To grout under the middle school would likely run as much as $6 million or more.
The only way the study would make sense, Owsley suggested, would be if the district was “comfortable making the corrections the study is going to make.”
Moreover, $94,000 would cover only a preliminary assessment.
“To get a full understanding of what’s going on underground, we’d be looking at a half million dollars,” said Owsley.
The issue was allowed to die when no board member moved to consider the contract.
COMMUNITY SOLAR PARTICIPATION
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to enter into a contract with Summit Ridge Solar to participate in a community solar project. Under terms of the 15-year contract, the district will realize a 13 percent savings on electrical power bills. The contract is automatically renewable for five years unless the district chooses to withdraw.
“Illinois provides a number of incentives for using solar,” Owsley said. “However, not everyone likes the look of having solar panels on their property. This will get us the benefits without putting up solar panels on our property.”
Summit Ridge’s proposal was the most lucrative of the proposals the district received. Other companies offered shorter terms with savings of five percent.
After 20 years, it’s likely the savings would drop to five percent. Owsley said he was told the district was better off going with the longer contract to get 13 percent in savings for as long as possible.
The school district was able to secure such favorable rates, according to Owsley is because there is an issue with solar fields storing the power they generate. “Our main usage time is during their maximum production time.”
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, the board recognized sophomore Matrix Wright, whose art was the only entry from the United States included in the 2026 TOLI International Student Art Exhibition. The exhibition is a project of The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies in New York. The exhibit includes student art relating to themes associated with the Holocaust.
Wright’s work, entitled “An Immortal Continuum,” attempts to portray “the constant entrapment a Holocaust survivor might feel.”
Exhibition organizers received more than 250 entries from around the globe.
BUDGET PROCESS
On a motion by Peyton Bernot, seconded by Board President Hayes, board members voted unanimously to begin work on developing a district budget for fiscal 2027. Board members also approved a routine measure to permit expenditure of fiscal 2027 funds after July 1, pending approval of a new budget.
The school district’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30 but new budgets typically are approved two to four months after the start of the fiscal year.
The current fiscal year’s $19 million budget was approved in September last year.
PERSONNEL
Following a one-hour executive session to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to approve the request of long-time middle school English and language arts teacher Kim Henderson, effective at the end of the 2028-29 school year.
Board members also voted unanimously to hire Andrew Crook as a first-year, non-tenured high school English teacher for the 2026-27 school year, pending documentation of certification and a routine background check. A graduate of Gillespie High School, Crook earned his teaching certificate at Illinois College, Jacksonville and for the past two years, he taught English at North Mac High School.
In separate actions, the board made multiple assignments to staff the district’s summer school program. Those hired include: Jessica Kelly as a middle school teacher, Ashlee Gibbs as a high school math teacher, and Jennifer Brown and Rob Macias as high school drivers’ education instructors. Each of the positions are contingent upon adequate student enrollment to offer the classes. In addition to academic staff, the board hired Andy Hirstein as a summer school food service worker.
The board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Foli Seferi as high school paraprofessional and as assisted football coach. Both resignations are effective immediately.
In other personnel action, the board appointed Cate Plovich as the BenGil Elementary School yearbook sponsor, and appointed Josh Ross as a volunteer assistant football coach, pending documentation of certification and a routine background check.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
• Approved a mens highs school soccer coop with the Carlinville School District, with the provision Carlinville will dissolve the agreement if it pushes its program into a higher competitive classification.
• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with Lewis and Clark Community College under which the college will recognize some high school courses as college level credits.
• Approved early graduation requests for an undisclosed number of students, provided all graduation requirements are met.
• Approved renewing the district’s membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association.
• Approved the final calendar for the 2025-26 school year pending no further emergency days. Barring the use of emergency days, Monday, May 18 will be the last day of student attendance, with graduation ceremonies set at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 17.
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