Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: October 28

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Monday, October 28, 2024, in the Liberty Middle School Auditorium for its monthly meeting.    

These are not the official meeting minutes and do not include every detail from the meeting but rather a summary to assist the District #7 community. The official minutes can be found on the District #7 Board of Education Board Docs once approved by the Board. 

Superintendent’s Report  

• The next District 7 Discussions will be held on Thursday, November 14 at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Shelton has been seeking input on the high school seven-period day, start times and efficient transportation. If interested in attending, please contact Carey Francis at cfrancis@ecusd7.org or 618-656-1182.  

• The Illinois State Report Card will be released on Wednesday, October 30. The district will share highlights through a press release that day, while higher level data will be shared and discussed at a future board meeting.  

• As a reminder, parent teacher conferences will be held on Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4. The deadline to schedule a conference is Wednesday, October 30 at 4 p.m.  

In action, the board approved:  

• The District’s 2023-24 audit, as performed by Honkamp, P.C. The District’s operating funds (Educational, Operations and Maintenance, Transportation and Working Cash) ended the year with an overall fund balance of approximately $32.2 million, an increase from the prior year of approximately $800,000. The District’s Financial Profile is now at “Review,” the second-highest level established by ISBE. The fund balance in the Education Fund decreased over $1 million to end the fiscal year at $14.8 million - while the Working Cash Fund balance increased to over $5.0 million as of June 30, 2024. 

• Lincoln Middle School Bid Package #4, which includes:  

• The renovation of the existing building; including, all new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection; a reorganization of classrooms better suited for middle school use with provided handicap accessibility; an update of all interior finishes, including paint, flooring, casework, doors, ceilings, lockers, signage and other finish items; a refresh of the existing auditorium; a new elevator servicing zero, first and second Floors; structural upgrades to accommodate the renovation, roof replacement, replacement of window glazing and curtain wall at the 1963 addition and a new corridor addition to provide access between the new performing arts area and the 1963 and 1925 buildings. 

• The demolition of the existing main gymnasium, kitchen, cafeteria, courtyard, and other auxiliary spaces; exterior site work to include a fire access road behind the building to connect the Phase 1 Sports Entrance parking (Hadley) lot to the Dude Place drive access at IL Rt 157; Lincoln Middle School's parent pick-up/drop-off circle, Woodland Elementary School's parent pick-up/drop-off circle, staff parking lot at the south along IL Rt 157, all retaining walls required for the access road and auxiliary spaces, existing track resurfacing, new tennis courts, new softball field and the replacement and addition of site lighting. 

• The final GMP contract with construction manager S.M. Wilson for Lincoln Middle School Bid Package #4 in the amount of $46,351,216. 

• The bid from J.F. Electric to complete electrical work associated with the renovation of the Columbus Elementary School Playground for an amount not to exceed $63,063. 

• The roofing repair/replacement bid for Edwardsville High School, Sports Complex Facilities and Glen Carbon Elementary School from Shay Roofing for $806,275.00. These roof repairs/replacements are being paid from insurance proceeds because of hail damage from the March 24, 2024, weather event.  

• A resolution to grant a temporary construction easement to the City of Edwardsville for construction of Phase 4 of the Route 66 shared use path (bike trail) in front of Lincoln Middle School and Woodland Elementary School. Work will occur during the 2025 summer break.  

Next Month’s Meetings:  
Tuesday, November 12 – Board of Education Work Session (6 p.m. at Liberty Middle School) 
Monday, November 25 – Board of Education Monthly Meeting (7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)