Community News
Tieman hired to replace Skeans as Superintendent upon retirement
BenGil Elementary School is 65% complete
Michelle Smith updates the school board on the happenings in the high school building.
The district 7 school board of education hired current assistant superintendent Joe Tieman to take over the Superintendent position of schools upon Paul Skean’s retirement. All the action took place during a regular scheduled board meeting on January 28. Current superintendent Paul Skeans turned in his letter of resignation last board meeting in December of 2012 noting his retirement will take place “no later than” the end of the school year of 2014.
Skeans has been superintendent of schools since June 2000. After receiving Skeans’ letter, the board had a two hour interview with Joe Tieman giving him the first opportunity at the position. Without interviewing any other applicants, the board hired Tieman 6-1 with objection from Peyton Bernot.
Tieman will take over the superintendent position “effective on retirement date of the current superintendent and at the approved salary scheduled rate.” Joe Tieman was hired by CUSD #7 in August of 2001 and promoted to GHS Principal in June of 2004. Then in December of 2009, Tieman took his current role as Assistant Superintendent.
Board member Peyton Bernot struggled to accept the fact the board did not interview anyone else for the position citing the fact Skeans turned in his letter just one month ago. “Negligence on this board disturbs me,” Bernot explained.
Bernot explained one of the most important jobs of a school board member is to select a superintendent and the job should be performed “with due diligence.” His main issue was the “laziness” of the school board since no one else was interview for the job. “Within one month, we have selected the new CEO of this school district,” Bernot said. “We knew that he would be the only candidate applying for this position. Frankly, I don’t know we wasted our time interviewing him if he was the only candidate that could apply for it.”
Dave Griffel responded to Bernot with respect to his concerns. Griffel on the other hand said the board did consider other options, but could not look past Tieman. “His role as assistant superintendent has issued more instructional change in our district than what has happened in many years,” Griffel responded. “To throw away years of work to bring someone new in is something our district cannot afford. Mr. Tieman is, and has been, a hard working administrator in our district for several years.”
Bernot agreed Tieman is well qualified for the job, but questioned how the school board can say Tieman is the most qualified person for the job. “We have nothing to compare him to,” Bernot added. “Joe was my principal for 7 years. I know his principles, I know what he does, and I like him. But, we cannot honestly sit here and say he is the best candidate when we did not look at anyone else.”
We owe it to our constituents who elected us, the children of this school district and the teachers who teach in this district to perform due diligence in selecting the new CEO of this district, Bernot continued. Despite the discussion, Joe Tieman was hired to replace Skeans as superintendent by a 6-1 vote when Skeans elects to retire. “My ‘no’ vote reflects the negligence of this school board, not the qualifications of Joe Tieman” Bernot closed.
Peyton Bernot questioned why the school board interviewed Joe Tieman when they knew he was going to be the only applicant.
Michelle Smith, high school science department instructor, updated the school board on the happenings in the high school. Smith touched on all the departments in the high school while noting “all stakeholders involved truly share a commitment for educating the youth of this community.” She noted English department is making sure all students are read at or above their grade level.Math is focusing on instruction and strategies for increasing student’s abilities in math education. Science classes are doing a variety of things such as learning about inherited traits, animal dissection, and learning systems function in organisms. History classes are ready “All Quiet on the Western Front” while vocational classes are focusing on the ASVAB test.
Other Personnel Actions
The school board went on to accept the resignation/retirement of two physical education teachers. Both Michael Blotna and Don Borgini will retire effective at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 school year. Blotna has been with CUSD #7 for 33 years while Borgini has 7 years of service. James Kelly will also be leaving the district effective May 31, 2013. Kelly has been with the district for 12 years and has served as a mechanic and a bus driver.
The district approved maternity leave for Katie Wiegand, high school Spanish teacher, effective at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year until September 20, 2013.
The board hired three volunteer high school track coaches for the 2012-2013 school year as follows: Jerry Rosentreter, Marissa Link Giuffre, and Rusty Bilbruck. The school board also appointed Kelcie Matesa as high school volunteer softball coach for the upcoming season.
Old Business
The school board approved 4 change orders in regards to the current capital project. Change order action entails lift station improvements, sanitary sewer linings, conduit fiber optic wiring from the high school to middle school building, kitchen plumping, and downspout painting.
Tom Hyde, district architect, reported the new BenGil Elementary School is currently 65% complete and is still on target for the April completion date. “We don’t know if it is April 1 of April 31 at this time, but it is April,” Hyde explained.
New Business
Board president Mark Hayes reported district 7 will host the Illinois School Board spring dinner on March 6. He requested the dinner to be held at the Gillespie campus during the board’s recent school board convention in Chicago. Skeans is currently seeking the fall dinner to be held here as well in hopes to have it at the newly finished BenGil Elementary school.
The board also accepted the 2013 Financial Profile Designation where CUSD #7 received a score of 3.7 out of a possible 4 in regards to fiscal year 2012.
In other business, the board approved seniority lists for both certificated and non-certificated personnel and approved the board meeting calendar for fiscal year 2013.
Administrator Updates
High school principal Dennis Tiburzi congratulated a variety of students on their recent achievements while noting Parent/Teacher Conferences are approaching. Conferences will take place on February 14 and February 15. Tiburzi advised the board performance enhancing substance testing produced negative results for the students tested in reply to the IHSA’s random drug screening last month.
Lori Emmons, middle school administrator, explained Mrs. Paine has begun registering eighth graders for their freshman year. Paine also had a parent meeting discussing high school information. The meeting was well attended, Emmons reported.
Elementary principal Angela Turcol informed the board her staff is continuing work with the Daily 5 and other engagements with the curriculum. Her staff is working toward the Rising Star plan and a plan for BES while building current RTI strategies to better the needs of struggling students. The annual BES candy sale is in full force, Turcol closed. The candy sale will take place until February 6.
January Bills
Transportation Fund: $6,014.48
Building Fund: $68,235.19
Site/Construction Fund: $1,170,506.77
Education Fund: $70,811.16
Grand Total: $1,315,567.60
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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.
