Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: April 2026

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Monday, May 4, 2026, in the Liberty Middle School Auditorium for its monthly session. This meeting was originally planned for Monday, April 27, but was postponed due to severe weather.

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 Board of Education Diligent website once approved by the Board.

To read a summary of the April Board of Education work session held on April 13, click here.

From the Superintendent's Report

• This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Interim Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan thanked all teachers for all they do for our students, families, and the community.
• A group of District #7 stakeholders met last Friday to begin discussions on the future of Hadley House, with a shared vision of transforming the space into a destination for tourism, community meetings, and educational programming. The first step in the process will be an exterior assessment of the building envelope. Three subcommittees have been established to guide the work, focusing on Program and Community Use, Funding and Grants, and Facilities and Design. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8.

Dr. Duncan shared some highlights from across the District, including:

• The inaugural Senior Breakfast on April 17 welcomed nearly 60 guests, with EHS students assisting and the choir and orchestra performing. Next year's date is set for April 23, 2027.
• He visited students in the Future Teachers Program class.
• Liberty FLS (Functional Life Skills) students practiced real-world skills during a community trip to Chick-fil-A, focusing on money handling, ordering, and social interaction.
• Woodland Elementary students in Page Lee’s class celebrated Earth Day by helping clean up their school.
• Midway staff partnered with local first responders to greet students with high fives on National High Five Day, creating a positive start to the day.
• He visited an Intro to Agriculture class, where students were using a miter saw.

At each Board meeting, Interim Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan shares a few “Shoutouts” he receives from community members. Monday night’s Shoutouts went to:

• Ginger McDaniel, K-5 math coach, for hosting the District’s first-ever Math Night last month.
• Lucas Vasquez, Columbus PE teacher, and Chris Stevens, Columbus music teacher, for making a meaningful impact by helping a student feel a sense of belonging through their encouragement, individualized support, and ability to connect with his interests in both physical education and music.
• Rachel Henss, Woodland fourth grade teacher, for going above and beyond in her first year of teaching, creating a positive and supportive classroom through her kindness, thoughtful encouragement to students, and strong communication with families.
• Dana Morton, Worden principal, for exceptional care, responsiveness, and commitment to understanding and supporting each student, creating a positive and inclusive experience for both students and families.
• Zara Omotola, EHS student, for winning a National Gold Medal in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her self-portrait Her and Her Shadow.
• Dustin Battas, EHS boys basketball coach, for being named the IBCA Class 4 Region 19 Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Email Dr. Duncan (aduncan@ecusd7.org) if there is a staff member you would like to give a “Shoutout” to.

Recognitions

• Leclaire first-grader GJ Simpson and Columbus Elementary fourth-grader Mabrey Bundy were named District #7’s March Students of the Month. GJ is a caring student who brings warmth and joy to those around him and is always ready to share a hug. Mabrey goes out of her way to lift others up, always offering encouragement and bringing positivity to those around her. Recently, Mabrey demonstrated honesty and respect when she found a Jaguar Buck outside of a classroom and turned it in right away.
• The 21 Edwardsville High School students selected to the Illinois Music Education Association ensembles in band, chorus, and orchestra were recognized for their outstanding musical achievement and dedication.

Student Representative Presentation 
EHS senior and Board of Education student representative Josie Proctor provided an overview of Student Council at EHS, highlighting its diverse membership united by a shared goal of enhancing the student experience through events such as football games, homecoming, Mr. EHS, and New Friends Prom. Josie was also recognized for her contributions over the past two years as a student representative on the Board of Education.

In action, the Board approved: 

• The renewal of the auditor’s contract with Honkamp, P.C., for the next three years.
• An intergovernmental agreement with Collinsville Area Vocational Center to provide course opportunities for juniors and seniors during the 2026-27 school year.
• The purchase of EHS chemistry (including honors and AP), environmental (including AP), and honors astronomy materials and supplies.

May Meetings
Monday, May 11: Board of Education Work Session (6 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)
Monday, May 26: Board of Education Meeting (7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)