Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: December 2025

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Monday, December 15, 2025, in the Liberty Middle School Auditorium for its monthly session.  

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 Dilligent website once approved by the Board. 

Superintendent's Report

• District #7 had its first eLearning Day of the year on December 2 due to inclement weather and saw the following attendance rates across grade levels on that day: K-2 - 93.8%, 3-5 - 95.9%, Middle School - 94.8%, High School - 93%. 
• In November, District #7 held its fourth annual Holiday Card Contest, with a selection committee choosing student artwork to represent each school level. Five student designs were selected to be printed and shared on behalf of the Board of Education with staff, families, and the community, including those by Ava (EHS, 10th grade), Jazim (EHS, 12t grade), Chelsea (Lincoln, 7th grade), Brooks (Cassens, 4th grade), and Rose (Leclaire, 2nd grade). 

At each Board meeting, Acting Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan shares a few “Shoutouts” he receives from community members.  

Monday night’s Shoutouts went to:  

• Jake Preston, Dave White, and Doug Burlingame of the District Facilities & Maintenance Department for their exceptional support during the summer in delivering and moving boxes for the Curriculum Department.  
• Lincoln Principal Michael Cory and Assistant Principals Jamie Anderson and Hilary Duncan for their exceptional leadership, positive energy, and collaborative efforts that keep their school safe, welcoming, and thriving for all.  
• Ashley Gerstner, Hamel Elementary Speech Therapist, and her son Calvin (2nd grader at Hamel) for helping to clear snow from cars in the staff parking lot and creating helpful reading tools.  
• Maggie Patton, Lincoln Middle School orchestra teacher for combining kindness, patience, and expertise to create a supportive, inspiring classroom where students feel safe to grow, create, and believe in themselves while working together as a unified orchestra. 
• Carla Kinsey, Lincoln Middle School language arts teacher for creating fun, community-building experiences for her students while offering a welcoming, supportive presence that helps every student feel seen, cared for, and connected. 

Email Dr. Duncan (aduncan@ecsud7.org) if there is a staff member you would like to give a “Shoutout” to.  

Recognitions 

• Woodland fifth-grader Grant Lankford and Worden fifth-grader Linden Quivey were named District #7 November Students of the Month. Grant was recognized for his quick thinking and leadership during a bus evacuation, while Linden was honored for her kindness, inclusiveness, and positive leadership that make everyone feel welcome. 
• The EHS girls swimming and diving team earned a program-best 11th place finish at the state meet and had five state medalists, including the 200-yard medley relay (8th place), 200-yard freestyle relay (8th place), Scout Jackson in the 100-yeard backstroke (9th place), Grace Oertle in the 50-yard freestyle (T11th place), and the 400-yard freestyle relay (13th place).  

In action, the board approved:  

• The 2026-27 EHS Course Handbook.  
• The 2025 Tax Levy. 
• Cancellation of Special Treasure Bond – 2023D. This bond was originally required to ensure that funds borrowed for roof replacements and solar panel projects were properly managed. Since all the borrowed funds have now been fully spent, the bond is no longer needed. 
• A separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton.  

Next Meeting:  

• Monday, Jan. 12: Board of Education work session (6 p.m. at Liberty Middle School) 
• Monday, Jan. 26: Board of Education monthly meeting (7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)