Community News
School board concentrates on final Elementary touches and High School repairs
Tieman reports teacher absences amount to $125,000 loss
School board members Mark Hayes, Dave Griffel, Billy Carter, and Weye Schmidt write down some figures.
During the regular June school board meeting, district architect Tom Hyde explained work was continuing at the new BenGil Elementary School site with paving work set to be completed this week. After that is complete, Larry Pfeiffer will come down and sign off on the school. “We are nearly the end as well,” Hyde said.
The board requested Hyde to gather prices on bleachers for the softball field and drainage for the baseball field. Mark Hayes said the horseshoe turnaround area in front of the middle school is in very bad shape and is in dire need of repair as far as drainage is concerned.
Hyde said the insurance company would like bids to replace the concession stand and has had engineers at the high school analyzing the gymnasium. “They have determined the main gym is fine,” Hyde said. “So, they said to go ahead and reconstruct the gym.” In addition, the district got approval to go ahead and rebuild the concession stand as well. The television studio also has to be rebuilt, but the structure will stay. The insulation and equipment all needs replaced inside the studio.
He explained he is working on getting the drawings together for the concession stand and high school gym repairs and will submit the drawings for bids as soon as they are complete. He couldn’t promise everything will be ready by the July meeting, but he would keep the board notified. Weye Schmidt asked when Hyde thought all the work would be complete and Hyde responded with the end of the basketball season.
Hyde thought the concession stand might be rebuilt by the time football season is over. “That will be priced out separately than the high school gym and I doubt it will be ready by the first football game, but probably midseason or halfway through,” Hyde explained.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman got back to the school board on their request: how many attendance days teachers missed last school year. Tieman reported teachers missed a total of 1,289 missed by teachers. Of the 1,289 missed school days: 755 were sick days, 400 were professional development days, and the remaining 134 days were personal days. “This costs us approximately $125,000,” Tieman explained.
Personnel Matters
The board recommended posting for a secondary school assistant administrator or middle school principal and a high school boy’s freshman basketball coach after they hired Matt Brawner as high school boys’ assistant basketball coach.
The board went on to approve a maternity leave for Holly Nejmanowski and to employ Steve Compton as district assistant technology coordinator. The board also hired Robin Niemeyer as high school head girls’ soccer coach and appointed spring coaches for the 2013-2014 season as follows:
Softball:
- Michelle Smith – Head Coach
- Joe Kelly – Assistant Coach
- Jim Matesa – Volunteer
- Kelcie Matesa – Volunteer
Baseball:
- Jeremy Smith – Head Coach
- Darrin Peterson – Assistant Coach
- Dan Smith – Volunteer
- Adam Tallman – Volunteer
Girls’ Soccer:
- Robin Niemeyer – Head Coach
- Mark Hayes – Assistant Coach
Girls’ Track:
- Jack Burns – Head Coach
Boys’ Track:
- Mike Bertagnolli – Head Coach
Boys’/Girls’ Track:
- Jeff Nehls – Assistant
- Rusty Billburck – Volunteer
- Marissa Giuffre – Volunteer
- Jerry Rosentreter – Volunteer
Middle School:
- Christina Blevins – Girls’ Middle School Track
- Casey Niehaus – Boys’ Middle School Track
Mine Subsidence Insurance
The school board requested information to possibly insure the CUSD #7 campus with mine subsidence insurance. Rick Sedlak explained mine subsidence is an issue in the forefront considering what district 7 has gone through. “A state fund only gives you $750,000, but other companies can give you excess but it isn’t cheap,” Sedlak started.
Sedlak explained the extra coverage is considered “earth movement coverage” and mine subsidence falls under that coverage category. Covered under the earth movement plan is earthquake, sink hole, and mine subsidence. He explained the board should try to coordinate both insurance policies together.
He went on to suggest keeping all the content insurance under the Indiana Insurance policy as well as all the smaller structure items such as the dugouts, concession stands, and the bus garage since they are under the $750,000 limit that the state fund provides.
The total limit for the district 7 campus is 18 to 19 million dollars. “You are looking at $60,000-65,000 to get earthquake and mine subsidence insurance on all the buildings except the building that is grouted. It can get very expensive, very quickly,” Sedlak said. “Very few districts have this kind of protection. Many don’t know it is available.” The board said they would like to hear more accurate figures, so Sedlak said he would report back to Mr. Tieman after he gets more information from the insurance companies.
Administrator Updates
Principal Lori Emmons reported to the board that the middle school gathered for a data forward meeting on June 13 and 14 and said the high school will do the same at the end of June. She also went on to add the middle school will hold an open house on Wednesday, August 14 from 6-7:30pm citing it would be helpful for students and parents since the first day of school isn’t an early dismissal day. Emmons also announced middle school baseball practice will begin on August 5th and information will be coming to them in the mail.
Ms. Angela Turcol reported the data forward team met for two days at the elementary level as well and has a goal set to have the new information ready for teachers on the first day of school. Turcol also said custodians have started moving classrooms into the new school building and she expects everything to be moved over by the end of next week.
Assistant Superintendent Tieman went on to allude to what Ms. Emmons brought up about the full day of school for the first day. Tieman explained the first day was usually a half day and the last day of school, or report card day, was a short 2 hours. Now, both of those school days will be full length days without early dismissals. Ms. Turcol explained BES would have a “Stop and Drop” day for students and parents to stop school and drop their supplies off while visiting their new classroom and walking in their new school.
Playground Equipment Bids
Tom Hyde announced the playground bids to the school board during Monday night’s meeting as well. The lowest bid came from Miracle Company Inc. with a bid of $91,516 with an alternate bid of $12,043 for the fiber mulch. Hyde said a rubber surface is an option for about $100,000 and wood mulch is also an option, but he said no one likes wood mulch. Board members questioned why there weren’t swings included in the playground equipment and Ms. Turcol said she wanted to concentrate on what the kids use most with the limited budget. The playground bid was later accepted 7-0 with a total cost of $103,559.
New Business
Hyde presented the school board with 3 bids for the photo-voltaic system. The lowest bid was from Straightup Solar out of St. Louis, Missouri with a price of $142,490. Hyde recommended going with the lowest bid, but explained they offered increasing the system by 25% for an additional $35,600.
The district is getting a 60% grant from Illinois Clean Energy for the PV system. Hyde explained the larger PV system will generate $800 a year in energy savings and the smaller system will generate 80% of that. Expected life of the systems is 25 years with a 10 year maintenance warranty. The board approved the bid of $142,490 and approves voluntary one addition of $35,600 pending approval from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.
The board recommended approving the IHSA cooperative with Mt. Olive for boys’ soccer and cross-country along with an approval for student insurance for FSY 2013-2014 and employee insurance rates for FSY 2013-2014.
June Bills
Transportation Fund: $16,406.75
Education Fund: $63,675.62
Building Fund: $41,863.39
Site & Construction Fund: $1,623,635.87
Grand Total: $1,745,581.63
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FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
