Community News
Special School Board Meeting July 13
The school board scheduled a special board meeting to discuss principals’ salaries, bids on the new school, and the 5 year plan. The special meeting of CUSD #7 was called to order at 6:00pm by board president, Mark Hayes. After Weye Scmidt seconded Dobrino’s motion to approve the agenda, the board headed into executive session.
Scroll to the end of the article to view the project budget estimate of the new elementary school.
Griffel seconded Carter’s motion to start the executive session at 6:02pm to consider information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, legal matters and student matters. At 7:40pm, Dobrino made a motion to return open session. After the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated, the meeting began.
Personnel was first on the table. Carter made a motion, seconded by Alepra to place High School Principal Dennis Tiburzi at the appropriate salary step for FSY 2012. Under Tieman’s recommendation, the motion carried 5-2, but was opposed by Bernot and Griffel. (At this time we, The BenGil Post, cannot publish the salary amount for Dennis Tiburzi, but it will be updated as soon as we receive confirmation from administrative personnel.)
Before further action, the Board lost one member as Billy Carter left the board meeting for personal issues.
In old business, the school board reviewed bids for site grading and mine grouting as well as approved bids. 3 companies submitted bids for the site grading big package for the new elementary school. The base bid is for the school as the alternate bid is for the new alternate road route.
- Bill Ranger & Sons: $146,715 (base bid), $52,125 (alternate bid).
- J.P. Burns Excavating: $171,470 (base bid), $61,920 (alternate bid).
- Cole Excavating Services: $197,080 (base bid), $52,920 (alternate bid).
The school board then approved the base and alternation bid for site grading to Bill Ranger & Sons on a motion made by Schmidt and seconded by Griffel. After approval of the grading, the board moved to the mine grouting decision. The board received only 2 bids for this project, and again, the base bid is for the school and the alternate bid is for the alternate road route.
- Hayward Baker: $4,408,380 (base bid), $349,960 (alternate bid).
- Howard Concrete: $5,704,250 (base bid), $680,950 (alternate bid).
On a motion made by Bernot,seconded by Alepra, the school board approved the base bid to Hayward Baker and accepted the alternate bid from Hayward Baker. After the 2 main decisions, Skeans spoke to the board and local constituents. Skeans announced, “Again, we cannot garauntee that there will not be hairline cracks in the new building structure.”
New elected school board member, Peyton Bernot, then addressed the audience and fellow board members. As in our previous board article, Bernot questioned Hyde’s salary percentage. Bernot went on the clarify the context of his question and explain what he actually said since he was wickedly misquoted in one of the area’s local newspaper. “The context of my question was very simple, there were absolutely no insinuations, whatsoever, behind my question. I have never publicly or privately disputed the 7.5% figure, nor will I ever,” Bernot shared. To see Bernot’s full speech, click here.
In other business, the school board approved a trip to go to Bodgreen, Kentucky on the 23 of July at 1:00pm. The purpose of this trip is to observe building structures that will be similar to the new construction of the elementary school. The school board also postponed/tabled the discussion of the 5 year plan.
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The Gillespie Public Library is having a promotional giveaway during the month of December. The “December Spin Giveaway” will allow patrons to spin for prizes each time books are checked out during the month of December.
The prizes are to Gillespie businesses.
Although December is a hectic month with the holidays, take time to relax with a “good book” and visit the library.
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Limited Spots Available, Register By December 20
This winter, Blackburn College invites children ages 6-12 to participate in an exciting All-Sports Camp from December 30-31, 2024 and January 2-3, 2025. The camp will be held at the newly opened Blackburn Athletic Center and newly redesigned M.C. Court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium. The four-day camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each day, offering young athletes the chance to stay active during the holiday season while exploring a variety of sports. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. The registration fee is $100, and the sign-up deadline is December 20, 2024.
Participants will engage in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love for sports in a fun and supportive environment. They will spend part of the day developing essential skills and putting those techniques into action by playing games. Most equipment will be provided, but attendees should come dressed in athletic clothing and ready to play.
“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active during their winter break, make new friends, and experience the thrill of learning skills taught by NCAA coaches and players,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Blackburn College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our brand-new Blackburn Athletic Center, with its 200-by-120-foot turf field and retractable batting cages, and our revitalized basketball and volleyball court will be the perfect setting for fun and growth.”
In addition to the camp activities, all participants will receive two (2) tickets to watch the Blackburn Men’s Basketball Team take on the University of Dubuque on Monday, December 30, at 3:00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a memorable winter break experience! To register or for more information, visit blackburn.edu/recreation or contact Heather Heater, Blackburn College Recreation Coordinator, at athletics@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5719.
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Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December.
Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities.
