Community News
School board member Alepra resigns
Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education on Monday night accepted the resignation of a long-serving member and approved a new class schedule for the 2022-23 school year designed to provide additional instruction time without increasing the amount of time teachers are on the clock.
Board President Mark Hayes said it was “with a heavy heart” that he asked for motion to accept Jennifer Alepra’s unexpected resignation from the board. Alepra, currently serving as Vice President of the board, was absent from the meeting, as were board members Bill Carter and Dennis Tiburzi.
In her letter of resignation, dated April 15, Alepra said her resignation was effective immediately, and she thanked the community and school district staff for “the opportunity to serve.”
“The children and parents are the core of our school district, and it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve my community for the past 19 years,” she wrote. “I feel that it is time to allow another member of our community to have the privilege to serve our district and our children.”
Alepra’s resignation was unanimously accepted “with regret” on a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Jack Burns.
Supt. Shane Owsley said he will post notice of the vacancy in local media and on the district’s website. Applications for Alepra’s successor will be accepted through Friday, May 6. The board plans to convene a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 9, to review applications, interview applicants and choose Alepra’s replacement.
Hayes said anyone can apply for the position except persons living in Cahokia Township. While board members are elected “at large,” state law prohibits majority membership from any one township. Three members of the current board are Cahokia residents.
Alepra was last re-elected to the board in 2019 after serving four prior terms. Her successor will serve until the next consolidated election in the spring of 2023 when Alepra’s term would have expired.
SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR NEXT YEAR
The board unanimously approved a change in attendance schedules that will stagger arrival and departure times for elementary students and middle/school high school students. Under the new schedule, recommended by Owsley and endorsed by the teachers union, BenGil Elementary School classes will convene at 8 a.m., with students arriving between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Classes at Gillespie Middle School and High School will begin at 8:15 a.m. BenGil Elementary students will be dismissed at 2:30 p.m. and the school day will end at the middle school/high school at 3 p.m.
Owsley said the shortened drop-off and pick-up times is expected to increase instructional time for elementary students by 30 minutes daily.
Staff members will continue to arrive at 7:30 a.m. and leave at 3:15 p.m. The schedule change will allow additional time for middle school and high school staff to attend before school meetings and professional development sessions and will allow district coaches to attend practices in full regardless of the building they work in.
Schmidt asked whether the schedule changes would require athletes to leave before the end of classes to play in “away” games and meets. High School Principal Jill Rosentreter said class disruption is expected to be “very minimal.”
“We have a lot of schools in the area that don’t allow their students to leave earlier,” she said. “On long journeys, we may have to make some adjustments—maybe 15 minutes—and we may not get there an hour before the game.”
In other action, the board approved a revision to the current school calendar to make Friday, May 13, the last day of classes for the school year. Commencement is set for 2 p.m., Sunday, May 15.
The board also approved a calendar for the coming school year calling for classes to start approximately a week later than usual. Under the newly approved calendar, classes will start Aug. 17, with teacher institute days scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16. The last day of classes will be June 2 with early dismissal. If no emergency days are used, the last day of classes could be as early as May 25. Commencement ceremonies are set for May 21.
Standard school holidays include Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Election Day, two days for Thanksgiving, and Presidents Day. Winter Break is slated for Dec. 22 through Jan. 4, and Spring Break is set for April 3-10.
Early dismissals are slotted for Sept. 2, Oct. 5 and 6 for middle school and high school parent/teacher conferences, Oct. 14, Nov. 21-22 for elementary parent/teacher conferences, Dec. 2, Dec. 21, Feb. 3, March 10, and April 14.
PERSONNEL
The board tabled action on an agenda item calling for the possible hiring of a high school science/physical education teacher but the fact it was on the agenda prompted a formal statement from the teachers union calling for the board to also consider increasing staff in other critical areas.
Reading from a prepared statement, Casey Sholtis, Vice President of the Macoupin County Federation of Teachers Local 528, spoke on behalf of the union, saying the union welcomes the addition of staff to support students but “would like to suggest some other areas that require increases in staff.”
The number of students with individual education plans (IEPs) is increasing necessitating “additional resource teachers . . . not only to best serve students but also to maintain legal student/teacher ratios,” Sholtis said.
Additionally, he said, BenGil Elementary, which historically had two physical education teachers now has only one PE teacher to meet the needs of nearly 600 students. Likewise, the number of PE teachers at the middle school has been reduced from two to one. BenGil Elementary also lost a fine arts component due to scheduling needs within the high school, he said.
“COVID has placed tremendous pressure on our student body, and many struggle to achieve grade-level competencies,” Sholtis said. “The effects of this learning loss can be most clearly seen at the elementary level. The current Title I reading program does a tremendous job of helping students make up ground. The addition of a Title math program would provide additional and much-needed support.”
Sholtis said the recommendations came from teachers “who fight each day to deliver the best instruction they can” and “see on a daily basis where our gaps are.”
Speaking for the union, Sholtis concluded: “We feel the suggestions… should be implemented ahead of an additional high school science/PE position that no one in either of those departments recognizes a need for.”
In response, President Hayes noted that matter had been tabled and that a school improvement committee is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss staffing needs and instructional strategies.
In separate actions, the board voted unanimously to hire staff for this year’s summer school program. Jennifer Brown was hired as a behind-the-wheel driver education instructor. Dan Edgerton was hired as a high school summer math teacher, Jake Peterson was hired for middle school summer math, Casey Edgerton was hired for middle school summer English, all with the provision that enough students sign up for summer courses. Jennifer Parker, Karissa Smith, Nancy Schmidt, Melissa Bussmann, Amy Price and Jessica Kelly were all hired as elementary summer school teachers, and Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired as summer school food service workers.
The board accepted the resignations from Jack Burns as head high school cross country coach, Amanda Dugger as a special education resource teacher, and Stuart Ringer as head high school golf coach. Vacancies were posted for all three positions.
The board voted unanimously to hire Rachel Bouillon as a school nurse at BenGil Elementary School, pending a background check and confirmation of certification.
Casey Bonstead was hired as an assistant freshman football coach, and Nathan Wise was employed as an assistant varsity football coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
Gillespie Middle School Principal Tara Cooper recognized eighth-grade honor students who were listed on the honor roll every quarter throughout their three years of middle school. As a District Focus, she presented a PowerPoint presentation featuring slides of each of the students, along with their achievements and aspirations.
She congratulated the students on their success, noting they were among those who persevered and continued to maintain their academic endeavors through the COVID crisis. The honor students will be recognized, she said, during Eighth Grade Promotion ceremonies.
Those recognized include Jacob Baglin, Emily Bergen, Addison Cox, Hank Fletcher, Marshall Garwood, Katherine Gerdes, Carson Hailstone, Hunter Hegel, Zoey Jackson, Lillianna Jones, Kayden Koelker, Dawson Lancaster, Dawson Morgan, Tyler Palmer, Ava Parish, Kori Peterson, Zachary Phillips, Ava Rakers, Paxton Reid, Sean Roach, Wyatt Rondi, Ava Segarra, Brody Shaw, Brock Sherman, Lusas Rosenthal, Luke Schuckenbrock, Carter Sees, Clair Wallace and Hailey Young.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Approved job descriptions for all district positions.
- Approved a high school course description handbook for the 2022-23 academic year.
- Adopted an Risk Management Plan updated to include mine subsidence risks.
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.
