Community News
School Board rehires all tenured teachers
Moves Borgini and Garde to tenure
Tieman thanked Gail Niehaus for all her years of service at CUSD #7.
During a regular scheduled board meeting on March 26, the Board of Education placed Don Borgini, high school physical education instructor, and Tammy Garde, middle school special education instructor, on tenure for fiscal school year 2013.
Board member Peyton Bernot expressed his concern with placing Borgini on tenure during a discussion session after Billy Carter made the motion. “I will be voting no. I am not degrading his coaching abilities in any way. I think he is an outstanding person and coach, but to pay him the money we do is ludicrous,” Bernot explained, “I am voting no on that reason only.”
“Point well taken,” Dave Griffel responded, “He is paid according to the salary schedule for his level of teaching in this district. He is treated equally to his years of teaching, so I just wanted to clarify.” After Griffel’s comment, Borgini was placed on tenure after 5 yes votes, 1 no vote, and a present vote from Mark Hayes.
The board went on to employ all tenured teachers as presented for FSY 2013: Holley McFarland, Mary Kirk, Rick Spencer, Beth Zehr, Jack Burns, Trudy Giaudrone, Mike Bertagnolli, Margaret Fisher, Robert Macias, Casey Sholtis, Jennifer Brown, Jeff Nehls, Connie Whitehead, Mark Goldasich, Jerry Rosentreter, Troy Barker, Joni Paine, Michelle Smith, Katie Weigand, Angela Brink, Nichole Stoecker, Deb Olson, Karen White, Jarrod Herron, Kim Henderson, Kyle Lamore, Stephanie Wilson, Casey Willmann, Jill Rosentreter, Matt Brawner, Jeremy Smith, Mike Blotna, Stephanie Bray, Barb Schmid, Susan Tiburzi, Gail Niehaus, Gayla Crites, Kellie Vesper, Tracy Petersen, Lorraine Strutner, Kimberly Link, Sharon Schwab, Jody Dunn, Gail McGowan, Leanna Sawyer, Melissa B ussmann, Tracy Hostettler, Darrick Orban, Kara Saracco, Kelly Lyons, John Wiemers, Holly Nejmanowski, Jennifer Parker, Anastasia Henderson, Cate Plovich, Amy Price, Nickie Barrett, Jessi Luketich, Mindy Savant, Casey Niehaus, Karissa Smith, Beth Sies, Valerie Barrett, Beth Rull and Donna Easton.
Tom Hyde explained that foundation work was scheduled to have started on March 29.
After employing all tenured teachers, the board employed all non-tenured teachers as well: Amy Goldasich, HS English, 4th year; Kelly Bulla, HS Resource, 3rd year; Ashlee Gibbs, HS Math, 2nd year; Zach Simon, Band, 2nd year; Daniel Edgerton, MS Math, 3rd year; Christina Blevins, MS Language Arts, 2nd year; Rachelle Prough, MS Special Education, 1st year; Marci Johns, Elementary, 4th year; Colleen Favre, Elementary, 4th year; Celia Jubelt, Elementary, 4th year; Jami Schmid, Elementary, 3rd year.
Moving down on certificated personnel, the board appointed winter coaches for FSY 2012 as presented: high school boys’ basketball, Terry Allan, head coach; Casey Sholtis, assistant coach; Matt Brawner, freshmen coach; high school girls’ basketball, Kevin Gray, head coach; Andy Easton, assistant coach; middle school volleyball, Lana Odorizzi, head coach; Celia Jubelt, assistant coach; middle school boys’ basketball, Daniel Edgerton and Tim Wargo; middle school cheerleading, Carrie Scott-Palmer and appointed Chris Rademacher as high school volunteer boys’ baseball coach. The board also appointed Casey Niehaus as middle school boys’ track coach for FSY 2012.
The board then accepted with regrets the resignation for retirement of Gail Niehaus, Pre-K Instructor at the end of the FSY 2012 and to post the Pre-K Instructor for 2013. Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman thanked Gail, “I want to thank Gail for all her years of service at our district. She is a great person and a great instructor.”
Tieman went on to explain that the reason this job is being posted as vacant at such an early date is because it takes a special certification to teach this position. “You have to have an early childhood certificate, an elementary certificate and this position requires an early childhood certificate,” Angela Turcol, principal of Benld Elementary, clarified.
Under non-certificated personnel, the board approved the resolution authorizing honorable dismissal of educational support personnel: Amy Baker, Cathy Barylske, Trinity Bray-Jett, Theresa Carter, Sharon Heyen, Misty Parker, Ella May Roemer, Tim Wargo, Kathy Wheeler, Nicole Zenner.”This is something we have traditionally done historically,” Tieman shed light, “We assess our need for those aids and then as an administrative team, we come before the board and ask that some or possibly all of these aids be rehired.”
Tom Hyde then gave an update on current capital projects. “The mine grouting work has been completed,” Hyde started. Hayward-Baker has demobilized their equipment from the site. The storm water piping and manhole for connection of the District’s storm water detention area to the adjacent field tile piping has been installed.
Foundation work is scheduled to start March 29. Contegra will be on site as soon as a portion of the building is available for them to begin work. Korte and Luijhon expect 400 million feet per day in gray beam. “There should be some visible signs shortly,” Hyde closed, “It is starting to move.”
The board approved change order #2 FBE/MBE subcontractors. “This is being required by the state,” Hyde clarified. 5% each in the total amount of $105,173, subject to final verification and approval from Capital Development Board and authorized the Superintendent to act as soon as approval is received.
In other actions, the board authorized to advertise and seek bids for Data Wiring as well as approved and adopted plans for specifications for the New Elementary School. Hyde needs these documents to submit to the Regional Superintendent for review and issuance for a Building Permit.
School administrators then provided updates of events and programs underway in each attendance center. Mr. Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, explained to the board that the juniors took a practice PSAE/ACT test to help prepare them for the upcoming test in April. The environment was the same as it will be in April. In other activities, the vocal ensemble group received “Best of the Day” during an IHSA Solo/Ensemble contest in Jerseyville. “This is fabulous, I can’t remember getting this award in the 15 years I have been here,” Tiburzi noted.
Tiburzi went on to say the faculty and staff were updated on the synthetic drug use in the area by Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and Litchfield Police Chief B.J. Wilkenson. He went on to close with a congratulatory spiel toward the soccer team for winning the Metro East Cup, the boys and girls track team on early accomplishments, and named members that were All-Conference members for basketball which included: Shelby Jarman, Alexis Burns, Michael Bussmann and Ellen Gray who received honorable mention.
Middle school principal Lori Emmons congratulated science fair winners and explained Stephen DeMartini and Marissa Hartke will go to the next level and attend the State Science Fair in Champaign. In other middle school news, the honors banquet will be on May 2nd and the GMS Indian Invite will be on April 7. “We had a great turnout last year and we invite everyone to join us this year again,” Emmons explained. The Indian Invite is an annual track meet for grades six through eight.
Lastly, Angela Turcol notified the board that 45 new kindergarten students attended the kindergarten preview. She then went on to say that herself and Mrs. Rull joined the advisory board at Macoupin County Maple Street School Health Center and are working on a relationship with the Health Center to become aware of the programs they offer. “Mrs. Rull is working with their education representative to build participation in the programs the Center offers to elementary and middle school students,” Turcol closed.
The board then approved the payment of March bills in the amount of $93,439.42 and adopted the 5-year plan. The board also approved membership in the IHSA for fiscal school year 2013. “This allows us to compete in the post season,” Tiburzi clarified.
Comments
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Edwin L. Rhodes, 68 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs/methamphetamine delivery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Fulton Street. Sebastian S. Nessl, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration due to no insurance, operating an uninsured vehicle, and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Ricky L. Murphy of Fillmore, was issued a citation for failure to change address and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Cottage Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Francis Street in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Adam M. Wagner, 33 of Benld, was issued citations for suspended registration and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. April R. McNealy, 39 of Mt. Olive, was issued citations for disobeying a stop sign and expired registration.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a battery. Eric M. Streeb, 37 of Staunton, was arrested for aggravated battery.
Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 58 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on larceny.
An officer was out in the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
Kourtney K. Claro, 34 of Benld, was arrested on a Madison County Warrant for failure to appear on unlawful possession.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to identity theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Clay Street and Park Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Walnut Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a stolen vehicle from the 200 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Hannah E. Naugle, 25 of Gillespie, was given a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Macoupin Street. Ruthie J. Kahl, 35 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Christopher T. Brickey, 30 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while his license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue. Jess P. Barker, 69 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass to property in the 400 block of Broadway Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance, dangerous drugs, and a Madison County warrant for failure to appear on dangerous drugs.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Francis Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Hard Road in Mt. Clare. Chandler M. Hayes, 26 of Thayer, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Amanda L. Martinek, 35 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for operating uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Cody R. Ikerman, 35 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was suspended.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment in the 600 block of Broadway Street.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass.
The School Recourse Officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld to assist DCFS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Macoupin Street. Claudette N. Cruse, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for improper use of registration.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 2nd Street, 400 block of West Oak Street, and the 200 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to criminal defacement of property. The juvenile suspects were located.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Schmidt Street in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Stacy L. Marshall, 59 of Wilsonville, is charged with stalking/cause fear of safety and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a January 23 incident.
Jarod A. Fagan, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated use of a communications device/death, two counts of aggravated DUI/crash/death, driving under the influence of alcohol, registration expiration, improper traffic lane usage, transporting/carrying alcohol, and seat belt required in connection with a December 9 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Frederic J. Skinner, 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a December 30 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a January 12 incident.
TRAFFIC
Jessica D. Jackson, 37 of Girard, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Mason C. Marquette, 18 of Virden, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a January 21 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 18 incident.
Rhiannon P. Ewin, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 28 incident.
Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
Anna M. Bearup, 44 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Amanda M. McDowell, 43 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ellie J. Ondrey versus Zachary C. Ondrey
- Lillyan Hawkins versus Drew M. Hawkins
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- John Louis Osborne and Melissa Jeannine Harbaugh, both of Hettick
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Pine Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with the female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Southern Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Central in Benld by the Illinois Department of Transportation in reference to a vehicle that had been parked on their snow route, and they needed to be moved. Amy J. Arnold, 34 of Benld, was issued a citation for illegal parking.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Dakota N. Lytle, 27 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Park Street and Illinois Street in Benld. Alexander C. Richardson, 29 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of West Pine with a subject riding an ATV on the roadway.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street, Chelsa R. Pruden, 36 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Walnut Street. Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for suspended registration for no insurance and expired registration.
The school resource officer assisted the Department of Children and Family Services in reference to a juvenile issue at Ben-Gil Elementary School.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Christian M. Garrison, 25 of Girard, was issued a citation for failure to change address.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
The school resource officer was dispatched for a student who fled from school. The child was located and returned to her residence.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out with a vehicle in the ditch in the 300 block of Kelly Street, assisting until a tow truck could arrive.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a fight between two juveniles.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Division Street in Mt. Clare. Donald E. Ruyle, 52 of Benld, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was out at Francis Street and South Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal complaint.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on West Oak Street in Benld.
An officer was out in the 200 block of Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft. Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft, possession of another credit/debit card, and possession of a lost or mislaid credit/debit card.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in Benld.
The school resource officer took a report of an assault on a juvenile and reported it to the Department of Children and Family Services.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 3rd Street and Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare. Gregory A. Boaz, 32 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Isabelle G. Manning, 21 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Ave. Jynnafer E. Marin, 44 of Coffeen, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Macoupin Street. Kerri D. Felchlin, 43 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Easton Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a civil standby.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
