Community News
School Board hires teachers for 2022-23, posts positions for summer school
In a meeting heavy on personnel action, the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night rehired tenured and non-tenured teachers for the 2022-23 school year, and voted to post vacant teaching positions for summer school classes set to begin in a few weeks.
On a motion by Jennie Alepra, seconded by Jack Burns, the board voted unanimously to rehire the district’s entire roster of tenured teachers for next school year. In separate actions, the board rehired and offered to tenure to nine teachers who will be teaching their fifth year in the district next year, and voted unanimously to rehire 13 non-tenured teachers.
Tenured teachers re-employed for the upcoming school year are: Tracy Petersen, Lorraine Strutner, Jody Dunn, Leanna Sawyer, Melissa Bussmann, Tracy Hostettler, Darrick Oran, Kara Saracco, Kelly Lons, Holly Nejmanowski, Jennifer Parker, Anastasia Henderson, Cate Plovich, Amy Price, Nice Barrett, Jessi Luketich, Mindy Savant, Karissa Smith, Beth Sees, Valerie Jubelt, Carrie Scott, Dana Tie-in, Sharon Wernle, Marcia Johns, Colleen Favre, Celia Jubelt, Jami Schmid, Nancy Schmidt, Lori Emmons, Vanessa Barrett, Amy Gerdes, Beth Roll, Kim Henderson, Christina Blevins, Jacob Bilbruck, Casey Edgerton, Kyle Lamore, Stephanie Wilson, Tammy Garde, Matt Brawner, Jeremy Smith Jarrod Herron, Rachelle Prough, Stephanie Bray, Kaitie Prange, Robert Macias, Casey Sholtis, Jennifer Brown, Jeff Nehls, Mark Goldasich, Troy Barker, Michelle Smith, Holley McFarland, Michael Bertagnolli, Mary Kirk, Nichole Stoecker, Amy Goldasich, Daniel Edgerton, Ashlee Gibbs, Zachary Simon, Stuart Ringer, Kelly Bulla and Whitney Page.
The following teachers were rehired as fifth-year teachers and placed on tenure for the 2022-23 school year: Nathan Henrichs, elementary teacher; Allison McElroy, elementary teacher; Shanna Conner, middle school English and language arts teacher; Elizabeth Thackery, middle school math teacher; Kayla Wills, high school agriculture teacher; Eric Bogle, business education teacher; Amanda Dugger, special education teacher; Nikki Brawner, art teacher; and Kevin McNicholas, district social worker.
Non-tenured teachers rehired for the 2022-23 school year are: Amber Allan, fourth-year elementary teacher; Lisa Ballinger, fourth year; Nikki Zenner, second year; Katie Lieveers, second year; Alex Plovich, second year; Pete Visintin, second year; Jay Weber, second year; Madi Whittington, second year; Jacob West, third year physical education teacher; Chase Peterson, fourth year middle school math; Jessica Kelly, fourth year middle school resource teacher; Korben Clark, fourth year high school science teacher; and Jill Strole, fourth year school counselor.
In other personnel action, the board accepted the resignation of Alex Weinberg, middle school/high school choir instructor and sound technician, effective at the end of the current school year and posted a vacancy for the position. Board members also accepted the resignation of Gillespie Middle School paraprofessional Emily Barylske and posted the position as vacant.
Board members voted unanimously to post vacant summer school positions for high school English, math and behind-the-wheel drivers’ education; middle school math and English; and six elementary teaching positions. Also in preparation for the summer school program, the board voted to post vacancies for two food service workers.
The board accepted the resignations of Korben Clark and Jarrod Herron as volunteer assistant high school football coaches. The board also voted to hire Cory Bonstead, Nathan Wise and Sam Mount as assistant high school football coaches for the coming season.
John Q. Halteman and Ryan Bussmann were hired as assistant coaches for the district’s newly created bass fishing program. Jake Killebrew was hired as an assistant varsity boys basketball coach. Darian Gill was hired as the high school cheerleading coach for the 2022-23 school year. Jacob West was hired as an assistant high school track and field coach. Matt Brawner was hired as a high school volunteer assistant girls basketball coach. Andrea Williamson was hired as a prom sponsor.
DISTRICT FOCUS
High School Principal Jill Rosentreter presented a brief District Focus segment focusing on the accomplishments and future plans of outstanding Gillespie High School seniors. Rosentreter had brought into the board room several art projects created by Brynn Baker, Zoe Lewis and Candace Borror, all of whom won Gold Key awards at the Mid-Central Illinois Regional Scholastic Art Show. Both Lewis and Borror were American Vision nominees invited to participate in the next level of competition.
Baker also was recognized for being selected for a national safe driving public service announcement competition. Board members viewed a professionally produced video of Baker’s commercial concept. In it a Safe Driving Superhero patrolled traffic and corrected dangerous situations and practices. Baker was one of three students nationwide whose concepts were selected for production. Baker participated vicariously in the production process via the internet. Producers in California found a young actor who resembled Baker to play the part of the Superhero.
Board members also viewed an audition video Alex Pelt, who has been accepted to attend SIU-Edwardsville, prepared as an audition for the Bi-State Music Competition. For the audition, Pelt played a flute solo.
Also during the presentation, Rosentreter showed the board photos of construction trades students with projects completed this year. She said most of the projects went to the students’ homes, some were donated to local institutions such as the Gillespie Police Department, and some are available for sale to members of the public.
Rosentreter summarized the number of seniors who have committed to joining military branches after graduation, the number of seniors who have been accepted to universities, colleges and trade schools and listed the institutions Gillespie High School graduates will attend next year.
MOUNT OLIVE COOP
Without taking formal action, the board declined to consider a proposal from the Mount Olive School District to create a cooperative athletic program for golf. Supt. Shane Owsley reported that Mount Olive wanted to be the host school, meaning CUSD 7 golfers would have to be bused to Mount Olive for practices.
Owsley said CUSD 7 identified 16 students from 8th grade to seniors who were interested in pursuing golf as a sport. “All of them said they would prefer to remain Miners,” Owsley said.
Mount Olive currently has only two students participating in golf.
Given the disparity in the numbers of student golfers and other factors, the board declined to consider the proposal.
“My recommendation would be to continue with the status quo and continue to field our own team,” Owsley said.
FUEL BIDS
On a motion by Alepra, seconded by Hayes, the board voted unanimously to accept the bid of M & M Service Co. to supply fuel for the fiscal year. M & M provided a locked-in price of $3.57 per gallon for diesel and $3.35 for gasoline.
EARLY GRADUATION REQUESTS
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Burns, the board voted unanimously to approve early graduation requests submitted by Alicia Albers, Kyleigh Blankley, Hunter Blevins, Ian Brown, Hailey Rhodes, Julie Jackson, Makayla Kirby, Emma Livengood, Emmarie Moutin, Mary Parkins, Dawson Royer, Mya Stewart, Devon Williams, Loralei Clark and Evan Webb providing all graduation credits and requirements are met.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Adopted a schedule for regular meetings of the board for May of this year through April 2023. Generally, the board will meet in executive session at 6 p.m. with open session beginning at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month, except for December when the board will meet on the third Monday to accommodate the winter break.
- Voted to renew the district’s membership in the Illinois High School Association, the governing body for high school athletics. Earlier in the meeting, Owsley reported that IHSA planned to refund dues high schools paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Membership normally is free of charge but the organization imposed dues during the pandemic because state and regional championships were canceled.
- Voted to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses, permitting students to earn college credits recognized by LCCC while still in high school.
Comments
FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
