Community News
TIF district consultant fields questions during public hearing
The Gillespie City Council took another significant step toward establishing a new Tax Increment Financing district, conducting a public hearing on the issue prior to Monday night’s regular council meeting. The hearing, a required step before formally establishing the district, was scheduled for 30 minutes but Keith Moran of Moran Economic Development, Edwardsville, fielded questions from nearly 30 residents and property owners from the proposed district for more than 45 minutes. Moran has been retained by the council to shepherd the city through the process of establishing a new TIF district.
The proposed new district—TIF District II—will encompass much of the city’s underdeveloped west side, including substantial tracts of platted lots that have never been developed. Because the district must be contiguous, the new district will use the old Illinois Terminal Railway right-of-way to reach Macoupin Street at Maple Street and join with the northwest boundary of TIF District I. At the south end of the proposed district, the boundaries snake through a residential neighborhood to take in Big Brick Park. Including the park within the district may enable the park to take advantage of TIF funds for improvements once the district starts to generate revenue.
While TIF District I focused on economic development, the proposed new district will emphasize housing and residential development. Moran said TIF District II is expected to benefit the city as well as the local school district by stimulating the development of new single-family housing units that will be attractive to first-time home buyers. A substantial number of the vacant lots in the proposed district are owned by the school district or city. New housing developments on those lots ultimately may reverse Gillespie’s trend toward population loss and boost student enrollment.
According to documents distributed Monday night, the city hopes to encourage construction of new homes that are energy efficient and utilize green energy sources. Moran said TIF funds may also be used to raze deteriorated structures and, at the discretion of the city, be used to fund grant programs for existing homeowners to improve their properties. Some TIF funds may be used for utility improvements or amenities such as improved sidewalks and improved streets.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher emphasized that TIF money that may be awarded to homeowners for property improvements will be in the form of grants, not loans. TIF legislation specifically prohibits government entities from making loans from TIF funds.
“There are no loans,” Fisher said. “There can be a grant.”
Moran briefly explained the concept of TIF districts and how they generate money for municipal improvements. Essentially TIF’s establish a baseline for individual properties in the amount of property tax a property owner currently pays. As property owners make improvements or assessments increase through quadrennial reassessments, the additional tax paid by the property owner is swept into the TIF Fund instead of being distributed to various taxing bodies. Moran emphasized that being in a TIF has no impact on the amount of tax a property owner pays. The owner of a home in the TIF District with an equalized assessed valuation of $10,000, for example, will pay exactly the same taxes as a homeowner outside the TIF District with an identical assessment. The difference is what happens with the taxes collected in excess of what the homeowner paid before the TIF was established.
Because of the nature of the TIF District, it’s in the best interest of the city and district to encourage property improvements by using TIF grants to encourage owners to improve their properties.
“The game is really to get people to improve their property,” Moran said. Property values in the area targeted by the TIF have been stagnant or the rate of growth has lagged behind the rest of the city. “We’re focusing on this area for a good reason.”
The lifespan of TIF Districts in Illinois is 23 years. For that reason, taxing bodies other than the city, such as school districts, sometimes oppose the creation of a TIF District because it causes them to forego increases in property tax revenue they would otherwise receive. Community Unit School District Supt. Shane Owsley reported to the Board of Education last month that he had negotiated with city officials for the local school district to receive 20 percent of increases in tax revenue that would otherwise go into the TIF Fund.
TIF District I, which encompassed the downtown business district, is set to expire in about two years. Its focus has primarily been economic development. TIF funds, for example, have been used for facade improvement grants to improve the appearance of downtown businesses, and development of the Illinois Coal Mining Museum. Once TIF District I expires, there will be no more money accruing to the TIF Fund from taxes paid on properties within the district, nor will projects within the district be eligible for TIF funds, according to City Treasurer Dan Fisher.
Fisher said he does not expect to see surplus funds in the TIF Fund when District I expires. In the event there are unexpended funds, those monies would be distributed to eligible taxing bodies.
Answering questions from spectators, Moran said the creation of TIF District II will not give the city authority to raze derelict properties against the wishes of the property owner. Likewise, property owners in the district cannot be compelled to make improvements or repairs they cannot afford. Importantly, it does not cause property owners in the district to pay more or less in property taxes than those who reside outside the district.
“It has no impact on the amount a property owner pays in taxes,” he said.
Having conducted the public hearing, the city is now in a position to make an application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which has final say on whether or not to approve the new District.
In related action Monday night, the council approved resolutions to authorize payment of $20,908.13 to Moran Economic Development for work done in connection with planning TIF District II, $1,402 and $1,346 to Curry and Associates Engineers for work done in conjunction with the TIF District II, and $390 to an area newspaper for publishing legal notice of the public hearing. All four payments will come from TIF funds generated from TIF District I and may be reimbursed from TIF District II when the new district begins generating revenue.
COUNCIL MEETING
During the regular council meeting, which convened about 20 minutes late because of the hearing, council members voted to give Mayor John Hicks power to act on purchasing a Bobcat skidsteer the city has leased for several months and directed City Attorney Dan O’Brien to draft an ordinance incorporating rules regarding sewage holding tanks on residential lots at Gillespie Lake.
On a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, the council voted to give the Mayor power to act on purchasing the skidsteer based upon the recommendation of the committee. Pettit told the council the city leased the unit for the water infrastructure improvement project starting in July 2020 at a cost $1,300 per month. The lease, which is coming to an end, includes an option to apply the lease payments to the $70,310 purchase price and buy the unit for the $33,056 balance.
Pettit said maintenance workers use the machine routinely, Lake workers have found it to be more versatile than a tractor and loader currently located at the lake.
“Your options are to buy it, let it go back or extend the lease,” Pettit said. If the city extends the lease, however, the option to buy vanishes. “I think we’d be crazy not to buy it.”
Since July 2020, the cost of Bobcat skidsteers have gone up to $90,000, Pettit said. Additionally, with supply chain issues, it is nearly impossible to find one to buy.
‘You can’t find them,” he said. “That’s why they want this one back. They know they can turn around and sell it for $90,000.”
Ultimately, Mayor Hicks recommended referring the matter to committee. Pettit then made the motion, seconded by Ald. Rick Fulton, to give Hicks power to act on the committee’s recommendation. If the city buys the skidsteer, Pettit said it would be likely that he’d recommend selling the tractor currently in use at the lake.
Fisher asked the committee to consider future equipment needs when they consider whether or not to buy the Bobcat.
“We have to be cognizant of the fact we can’t own every tool we need when we need it,” Fisher said.
HOLDING TANK ORDINANCE
Lake Chair Frank Barrett asked the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to codify rules regarding sewage holding tanks at the lake. The ordinance will be subject to council action at a later meeting.
City employee Gary Thornhill said the current rules reflect EPA rules from several years ago, but acknowledged the state agency may have changed rules since then. Currently, the rules require holding tanks to be made of concrete, be installed by a licensed plumber and be equipped with an alarm.
CITY-SPONSORED HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES
Hicks appointed Ald. Wendy Rolando and Ald. Dona Rauzi to spearhead planning for a city-sponsored Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 16. Additionally, he appointed Ald. Bob Fritz to organize observances for Memorial Day, and appointed Pettit to organize Veterans Day observances in November. The since disbanded American Legion Post traditionally sponsored Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances in past years. All three events were suspended for the past two years because of the COVID pandemic.
Hicks also reported that the city had been approached by a person wanting to install a shipping container to be used as a residence. Without asking for formal action from the council, Hicks said such a structure would not be allowed under the city’s current zoning requirements. According to the ordinance, he said, residential structures have to have a foundation, must have a peaked roofline and must “have the appearance of a house.”
Fielding a question about nuisance properties, O’Brien reiterated that obtaining a court order to raze a derelict property requires a civil suit invoking state statutes. Local nuisance ordinances are not adequate.
“The teeth are in the state nuisance law and the state demolition law,” O’Brien said. “If you want to do more than a fine, you have to file a state violation.”
LED DISPLAY SIGN
Hicks announced that an anonymous donor has offered to pay for an electronic LED sign to be installed in front of City Hall for city announcements to the public. The sign is expected to cost as much as $50,000. Hicks said the city would be responsible for wiring and landscaping around the sign.
PEACE CORPS FELLOW
Fisher announced that he applied to Western Illinois University for another Peace Corps Fellow to serve the city for 11 months. The tenure of Ethan Fogg, a Peace Corps Fellow, ended last November. During his time with the city, Fogg assisted with grant applications, updating zoning maps and other duties aimed at economic development.
Council members also learned the city has been approved for a $1 million federal grant for its upcoming streetscape project, pending approval of the capital bill in Congress. If approved, the grant will bring funding for the project to a total of $3.5 million.
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
After hearing a brief presentation from Dane Solari, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, the council agreed to add an item to next month’s agenda to waive the building permit fee for a building the church plans to build later this summer. Solari described the building as a facility “to serve and love our community.”
A volunteer building team currently is in Mississippi, he said, and is expected to be in Gillespie June 2-24 to erect the new building.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Gave permission for Alicia DeWitt to use the sidewalk in front of her pet grooming business on Macoupin Street for a promotional party from 3 to 5 p.m., April 3.
- Authorized the use of city streets for a Labor Day weekend 5K run/walk and to donate $200 to help sponsor the event.
- Approved pay resolutions authorizing payment of $16,575 to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc., $9, 874.92 to R.P. Lumber and $925.34 to Schulte Supply.
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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.
