Community News
School board renews building principals’ contracts, tables action on renewing skyward software
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night recognized this year’s crop of Illinois State Scholars, heard an extensive presentation regarding the school district’s bond status, and agreed to hire an area accounting firm to conduct the district’s annual audit. But the board balked at renewing a contract with Skyward Software for three years, choosing to table the issue until administrators can explore negotiating more attractive terms.
During a District Focus segment, High School Principal Jill Rosentreter presented GHS seniors who were named Illinois State Scholars. Rosentreter told the board the 13 GHS seniors are part of the top 10 percent of high school seniors from 726 high schools throughout Illinois. Illinois State Scholars are chosen on the basis of SAT test scores and sixth-semester class rankings.
“These young men and women not only excel in the academic arena, but they are also well-rounded students involved in a multitude of extra-curricular activities, clubs and committees, part-time jobs and volunteer services within the community,” Rosentreter said. “These students represent CUSD 7 at its finest and we can be proud to have them serve as role models for all other students.”
This year’s State Scholars include Brynn Baker, Ashton Bethard, Lanie Doty, Levi Hatlee, Luke Hatlee, Kylie Kasarda, Alyssa McDaniel, Madison Niemeyer, Iris Page, Emmery Pau, Katie Polo, Josh Ranger, and Isabella Wallace.
“Along with every staff member and school board member, It has been our pleasure to be a part of your educational experience,” Rosentreter told the students, “and we look forward to watching your continued success.”
BOND PRESENTATION
While the district has no plans for any capital projects that require issuing bonds to finance them, financial consultant Kevin Wills of Bernardi Securities—the firm that has handled the most recent bond issues for the district, including bonds issued for construction of BenGil Elementary School. Part sales pitch and part informative presentation, Wills’ presentation to the bond scrutinized the district’s financial position over the previous five years and offered an assessment of the district’s current bonding capacity.
Wills identified Bernardi as the “leading bond underwriter in Illinois” for both municipalities and school districts. “We’ve underwritten more bonds than anyone else in the country that issues bonds in Illinois,” he said. Apart from administering the mechanics of issuing and selling bonds, Wills said his company takes responsibility for helping school boards determine the limits of their bonding capacity and choose the type of bonds that make the most sense for the district.
When a bond issue is undertaken, Wills said, Bernardi is committed to offering bond sales first to local investors before offering them elsewhere. “They (local investors) know your district,” Wills said. “If we have to go elsewhere, we are prepared to do that.”
As long as the district has outstanding bonds that have not been retired, Wills said Bernardi is obligated to provide a detailed analysis of the district’s financial factors every year. That report, which Wills provided Monday night, covers the previous five years. He pledged to return next year to present an updated report. The report is required by the federal securities exchange, though there are apparently no penalties if it is not done. “No one goes to ‘bond jail’ or anything,” Wills said, adding that the intrinsic value of compiling the reports is to establish a record of financial data investors can consult in the event the district opts to issue bonds in the future.
That district’s last bond issue was in 2017 to build BenGil Elementary School, meaning Bernardi will provide annual financial reports at least until those bonds or retired, assuming no additional bonds are issued.
Wills told the board the district currently has a debt ceiling of $11,544,00, which is 13.8 percent of the district’s total Equalized Assessed Valuation. The district is indebted in the amount of $10,865,000 in principal. Still, the district’s bonding capacity stands at about $7.6 million because the BenGil Elementary bonds were exempted from the debt ceiling via special legislation.
Another limiting factor is the amount of revenue the district has available for debt service. Currently, the district has $489,000 annually as a debt service base, $430,000 of which is being used to service existing debt.
Wills also broke down the district’s bond debt between bonds that are callable and those that are not. Within that list, he noted was $165,000 in bond debt that could be paid off early, saving the district $2,000 to $3,000 in interest costs. But there is no interest advantage to the early retirement of bonds bearing specific call dates for the final payoff.
PERSONNEL
Board members voted unanimously to extend three-year contracts to each of the district’s building principals—High School Principal Rosentreter, Middle School Principal Tara Cooper and BenGil Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto. That action, as well as other personnel action, followed a 90-minute executive session during which the board discussed personnel issues behind closed doors.
In other personnel action, the board accepted “with regret” the retirements of elementary teacher Lorraine Strutner, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year, and information technology team member Stephanie Bray, effective no later than the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Board members voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Jennifer Brown as high school cheerleading coach, and Matt Brawner as high school assistant boys basketball coach.
The board also voted unanimously to appoint Jay Weber as a volunteer assistant Middle School/High School track and field coach, and to hire Alex Ottersburg as a volunteer Middle School/High School track and field coach, pending a routine background check.
Board members voted unanimously to approve evaluation instruments for the positions of Maintenance Director, Transportation Director and District Mechanic. Supt. Shane Owsley told the board that the evaluation document for the Mechanic position, the only position of the three covered by union contract, had been approved by the union.
SKYWARD CONTRACT
After questions raised by board member Jenni Alepra, the board tabled action on an offer from Skyward Software to enter into a three-year contract at the rate currently paid by the district. According to Owsley, Skyward indicated the district could renew for one year but would face rate increases in the future. The Skyward system is the portal parents and students can use to access homework assignments, grades and other information. It also is used to manage report cards, attendance data and other information.
The district entered into a contract with Skyward last year but teachers and administrators reported concerns about a lack of technical support and “bugs’ in the relatively new program.
“I never felt we got the support we paid for,” Alepra said, suggesting the company should offer to rebate the cost of the first year. She said the company basically used the local school district to launch a pilot program.
Rosentreter said the program is serving its purpose but administrators and staff are still learning to navigate its complexities. “It was a brand new program and I don’t think it was ready,” Rosentreter said. “It was unfair to us.”
“Exactly,” Alepra agreed. “You hit the nail on the head. I think they owe us money or they should give us the first year free to sign a three-year contract with them. I feel like we helped them get their pilot program off the ground.” She said the district paid overtime expenses for Information Technology staff and incurred other costs to get the program to perform as it should.
Based on the discussion, Board President Mark Hayes agreed to table the issue. The company imposed a mid-March deadline to accept the three-year contract, but Hayes said the board is likely to have a special meeting before the offer expires. In the meantime, Owsley is expected to approach company officials to see if he can negotiate a refund.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Former school board member Ferdinad Girardi of Benld appeared before the board to comment about the creation of Community Unit School District 7 in 1962. Now 95 years old, Girardi said he was on the Benld School Board when members agreed to “annex” the Gillespie and Benld school districts. He said the move was defined as an annexation because board members would not support a consolidation.
As part of the agreement, he said, Benld was told “there would always be a school in Benld.” Following the loss of Benld Elementary School to mine subsidence more than a decade ago, CUSD 7 opted to build an elementary school adjacent to the Gillespie High School/Middle School complex.
“You bought land and built a school here,” Girardi said. “You could have done the same thing in Benld.”
He admitted it is was “too late” to bring up the issue after the fact but he wanted to “put a bug in someone’s ear.” In the meantime, he suggested the current board should approach Mount Olive about establishing a South Macoupin School District.
“Mount Olive is suffering,” he said. “You should be meeting with them to make one South Macoupin School. You’d save money in the long run.”
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Owsley reported to the board that he is in the process of meeting with school bus providers to determine the most cost-efficient way to replace aging buses in the school district’s transportation fleet. He said several buses are approaching 175,000 miles and will soon need to be replaced. He said he already has met with two companies to discuss the merits of leasing or leasing to buy buses versus outright purchasing.
He also reported a meeting with Keith Moran, a Tax Increment Financing district consultant working with the City of Gillespie to establish a new TIF District. TIF districts accrue revenue by capturing increases in property tax revenues within the district over the life of the district. School districts often oppose such districts because they preclude the school district of gaining revenue from increases in evaluation but Owsley said he negotiated a deal for the district to get 20 percent of the revenues earmarked for the Tax Increment Fund. Additionally, he said, the district owns a number of vacant lots within the new district that the board may want to consider selling to developers for new home construction.
In other action the board agreed to again hire Loy Miller Talley, PC, to perform the state-mandated annual audit. The company has performed the audit for the past several years and agreed to perform the audit for he current fiscal year at a cost not to exceed $10,170.
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.
