Community News
School Board votes to buy new software for student assessment, communication interface
Brett Berry, a North Greene High School teacher and coach, spoke to the board about ARCC, an in-school suspension program he coordinates.
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education committed Monday night to spend upward of $90,000 to implement a new student assessment testing program and a second program to interface with students and parents, manage fee payments and manage other aspects of the school operation. Both programs should be in place and functioning before the start of the 2019-2020 school year.
In other action, after meeting in executive session for nearly three hours, the board narrowly voted to extend the contract of High School Principal Shane Owsley, and voted unanimously to extend the contracts of Middle School Principal Jill Rosentreter and Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto.
Following an extensive presentation and discussion on Skyward, an education program that manages fee payments, registration and other aspects of the academic environment, the board voted unanimously to enter into a three-year contract with the Bloomington-based company on a motion by Board President Mark Hayes, seconded by Jenni Alepra.
“I think Skyward is the way to go,” said Supt. Joe Tieman. “It’s cutting edge. It’s what most schools we contacted are using. But it does come with a hefty price tag.”
To launch Skyward locally, the district will pay $74,882 for set-up, data transfer and training. Tieman said the largest percentage of the initial fee is for training and that the contract requires district staff to participate in the training. “That’s something I’ve never seen in a contract before,” he said, adding that provision seems to demonstrate the company’s commitment to ensuring staff members are properly trained to use the program before it is implemented.
In addition to the initial fee, the district will pay $27,187 annually for the Skyward program and service.
Tieman said the pricing represents a “significant increase” over what the district has been paying for a similar but more limited program called STI, which recently was acquired by the California-based Power School company. Administrators also researched a school management program offered by Infinite Campus, based in Minnesota, before settling on Skyward as their recommendation to the board.
According to Tieman, the district currently pays $10,000 annually for STI, plus another $3,000 or $4,000 for software to manage school lunch payments which will be incorporated into the new program. He said the increase in cost will amount to about $19,000 annually.
All three building principals were unanimous in recommending Skyward.
[pullquote]All three building principals were unanimous in recommending Skyward.[/pullquote]
Middle School Principal Rosentreter said Skyward is the software of choice for surrounding school districts in Macoupin County and districts near Macoupin County. “We didn’t hear any negative comments from any Skyward users,” she said. “I have four teachers who came from Skyward-using schools and they are excited” about switching to the Skyward platform.
Once in place, the program will facilitate management of attendance reports, discipline reports and scheduling. It also will be used for processing payroll and financial reports, accepting fee payments and school lunch payments. Additionally, it will manage health information on individual students.
Program modules will provide an interface between the school district and student parents or guardians. Tieman said that among the advantages of the parent portal is an option for parents update their own contact information, reducing the possibility of encountering outdated contact information when school officials find it necessary to contact a parent. The program also will facilitate disseminating alerts to parents and guardians in the event of an emergency, schedule change or other issue.
Skyward also will enable the district to offer for the first time an option for parents and guardians to register students online in lieu of registering them in person. Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said parents will have an option of registering in person or online, and that parents who choose to register their students in person will be “walked through” the online process so they can take advantage of that option in the future if they so desire. Ultimately, she said, the option may allow the district to reduce the number of days and time slots it offers each summer for on-site registration before the start of the school year.
Principals also cited the program’s ability to integrate with other programs the district uses including MAP (Measures of Academic Progress), a student assessment program also approved by the board Monday night.
Board member Don Dobrino worried openly about how the move toward more technology may impact the school district’s relationship with the community. “Are we losing our closeness to the community by doing this?” he asked.
“We talked about that,” Sandretto acknowledged. Parents registering students, she noted, will have the option to register their children in person or use the online system. “At this time we don’t know how many parents are going to want to take advantage of that option.”
“Our world is becoming more data-driven,” Tieman observed.
The board unanimously approved entering into a contract for the MAP testing program at a cost of $16,000 per year on a motion by Board President Mark Hayes, seconded by Dennis Tiburzi. MAP will replace STAR, a student testing program currently used by the district at an annual cost of $14,000.
[pullquote]STAR, she noted, tracks student performance and growth in reading and math only while MAP provides student assessment in those areas, along with language arts, science and social studies.[/pullquote]
Response to Intervention Coordinator Lisa Ballinger described MAP, offered by the not-for-profit Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), as far superior to STAR (Standard Test for Assessment of Reading) offered by the Renaissance Learning. STAR, she noted, tracks student performance and growth in reading and math only while MAP provides student assessment in those areas, along with language arts, science and social studies.
Moreover, MAP provides more diagnostic data to pinpoint the causes for students underperforming in specific academic areas, facilitating the development of specific teaching strategies to meet individual students’ needs. STAR can identify students who are underperforming in math and reading but MAP provides more information “when it comes to drilling down and finding the causes” for substandard student performance. Moreover, the program can assist in analyzing data to guide college preparation or career choices for students starting as early as the fifth grade.
PRINCIPALS REHIRED FOR COMING YEAR
The board voted to extend principal contracts by one year at the “appropriate salary schedule” following two executive sessions totaling about two and one-half hours. The votes came after board members met for about two and one-half hours in executive session to discuss personnel issues. The board typically meets in executive session for one hour prior to convening the open session. On Monday night, however, the pre-meeting executive session went for 90 minutes before the board convened the open session at 7:30 p.m. The board then took the unusual step of meeting again in executive session for about one hour at the conclusion of the open session.
Upon returning to open session at about 10:20 p.m., the board voted unanimously to extend Rosentreter’s contract by one year. The board voted 6-0, with Dennis Tiburzi voting “present,” to extend Sandretto’s contract by one year.
The board also voted narrowly to extend Owsley’s contract as High School Principal by one year. Board members Dobrino, Tiburzi and Alepra voted “no,” while Board President Hayes and members Weye Schmidt, Becky Hatlee and Bill Carter cast affirmative votes. Owsley, who previously served as Dean of Students and as a coach in the North Mac School District, was hired last April on a three-year contract after the board declined to renew the contract of former High School Principal Lori Emmons. No reasons were immediately given for the dissenting board members’ objections to extending Owsley’s contract.
In other personnel action, the board:
- Voted unanimously to post vacancies for the 2019-2020 school year for a high school science teaching position and middle school special education teaching position.
- Unanimously voted to accept the resignation of middle school math teacher Karen White and post the position as vacant for the coming school year.
- Voted unanimously to appoint Mary Kirk as high school yearbook sponsor for the coming school year.
- Voted 6-1, with Dobrino voting “no,” to hire Kerri Bailey as a full-route bus driver.
- Voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Kim Henderson as middle school Student Council sponsor and Gina Frensko as middle school cheer coach, and to post both positions as vacant for the 2019-2020 school year.
- Voted 5-2 to accept the resignation of Tammy McCollum as a full-route bus driver and to post the position as vacant. Both Schmitt and Dobrino voted “no.”
IN-SCHOOL DETENTION PROGRAM DISCUSSION
The board took no action nor did administrators ask for action after hearing a presentation by Brett Berry, a North Greene High School teacher and coach who coordinates an in-school suspension program. The program—called ARCC, an acronym for Accountability, Repairing Harm, Community Service and Communication—is an alternative to removing students from the school setting for disciplinary purposes.
Troy Eaker, a Band of Brothers motorcycle club member, proposed to the board sponsoring a “backpack” run to collect backpacks and school supplies for students who cannot afford basic school needs.
“It keeps them in school,” Berry said, “instead of running the streets.”
Teachers refer students to Berry when students commit infractions that warrant in-school suspensions. While under Berry’s supervision, the students are required to keep up with classwork “instead of staring at the wall or reading the newspaper.” They also meet with school counselors to address behavior issues. Each student completes an “entrance form” acknowledging the behavior that landed them in detention. When they complete the detention, they complete an exit form describing how they plan to adjust their behavior in the future. The exit form also documents possible penalties for future infractions.
The program includes a community service component requiring students to pick-up litter or work with the janitorial staff.
“In our opinion, this has worked very well,” Berry said. Students in detention often are reticent about talking about problems at home or in their lives that may contribute to behavior issues, he said. “This gives them an avenue to talk to someone.”
He likened North Greene demographics to the Gillespie area and many other rural schools.
“We’re like an urban school set out in the middle of the country,” he said. “We have the meth labs, we have kids living in places with a dirt floor.” Normal discipline strategies are unlikely to work with students from such backgrounds. “They’ve been being yelled at all their lives,” he said.
Berry appeared at the invitation of High School Principal Owsley. While no request was made for the board to consider such a program locally, administrators may present a measure to hire an in-school suspension coordinator at a future meeting.
BAND OF BROTHERS
While taking no formal action, the board tentatively endorsed a proposal from the Band of Brothers motorcycle club to sponsor a “backpack” run to collect backpacks and school supplies for students who cannot afford basic school needs. Troy Eaker, speaking for the club, said club members were exposed to the idea last year in Moline, where a local motorcycle club collected three pick-up loads of backpacks and supplies during a “backpack” run.
Eaker said the club is veteran oriented and typically sponsors activities to benefit veterans and raise awareness of veterans’ issues.
“We wanted to do something to give back to the community,” he said.
The club has tentatively set July 21 as the date for the run. Participants will donate a backpack in lieu of paying an entry fee. Backpacks and school supplies will then be donated to the school district. Eaker said Fox Channel 2 News and KSHE radio personalities have both agreed to attend and promote the event. The event also will feature food and other activities for non-cycling supporters who want to participate.
“If they don’t want to go on the run,” he said, “they can stop by” and participate by donating school supplies or a backpack.
Tieman suggested the club work with Elementary Principal Sandretto to coordinate its efforts with a similar school supply drive sponsored by the school. Eaker said one issue the club would want to work out is ensuring that the supplies it collects are offered to students free of charge. Sandretto said the school-sponsored program asks for a voluntary token donation of $3 to be used for buying supplies that may not be donated, but she said she was sure they could work out arrangements to meet the club’s conditions for free distribution.
“With everything we do, we don’t charge anything,” another representative of the club said. “It’s all free of charge. With the way the economy is these days, everyone is struggling.”
FUEL BID ACCEPTED
On a motion by Alepra, seconded by Schmidt, the board unanimously accepted a low bid from M & M Service Co. to supply fuel for the 2019-2020 academic year. The bid basically calls for the district to pay 14 cents in excess of the daily “rack price” for diesel fuel and gasoline.
M&M Services was the low bidder for gasoline and the only bidder on diesel. Sieveking, Inc. offered a bid for gasoline at a fluctuating rate of 18 cents over the daily rack price.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
