Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: January 2026

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Monday, February 2, 2026, in the Liberty Middle School Auditorium for its monthly session. This meeting was rescheduled from January 26 due to winter 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. 

Superintendent's Report 

• This week is National School Counseling Week. Dr. Duncan thanked our school counselors for all they do and for the impact they have on students.  

• Over the next two months, Dr. Duncan will spend a day at each building. During his visits, he will offer 15-minute time slots for both certified and classified staff who wish to meet with him.  

• Kindergarten Kickoff will be held on Wednesday night at each of the primary schools. This event provides families with an opportunity to visit their child’s school, meet the principal, and learn more about kindergarten in District #7. The goal is to help families feel prepared and supported as they begin their educational journey with us. Presentations will be consistent across all primary buildings, and no registration is required. Glen Carbon, Goshen, Leclaire, Nelson, and Midway begin at 6 p.m. Hamel will begin at 7:15 p.m.  

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

Monday night’s Shoutouts went to:  

• Molly Deist, Goshen Reading Teacher, for creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students gain confidence and make remarkable progress, even when learning is challenging. 

• Jen Atchison, Leclaire Secretary, for her unwavering commitment to student safety and immediate action to protect a student. 

• Chung Baker, EHS Counselor, for her compassionate guidance and support of students - always responding promptly, advocating for their well-being, helping them navigate challenges, and providing meaningful opportunities that make a lasting impact. 

• Jamie Unger, Columbus School Psychologist, and Melissa McKaig, Occupational Therapist, for prioritizing a new student by taking on a case outside their usual assignments, demonstrating dedication and commitment to students’ needs.  

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

5Essentials Survey 
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey, which assesses school climate and culture through feedback from students in grades 4–12, parents, and teachers, is now open, and will remain open through March 13. Results from the survey are used by principals to help guide School Improvement Plans (SIPs) and are included on each school’s Illinois Report Card. The 5Essentials measures five key areas: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, and Ambitious Instruction. Highlights from last year’s 5Essentials Survey across the district include no measures rated as “weak” for the first time, the highest stakeholder participation rates in the past four years, and growth across all five measures, with the largest gains seen in Effective Leaders and Collaborative Teachers. 

In action, the board approved:  

• The 2024-2025 audit as presented during the January Board of Education work session. The District’s operating funds (Educational, Operations and Maintenance, Transportation, and Working Cash) ended the year with an overall fund balance of approximately $32.5 million, representing a 32.1% operating fund balance reserve as of June 30, 2025. The District’s Financial Profile remains at “Review”, the second highest level established by ISBE. 

• The curriculum purchase of World Languages (French) materials and supplies for $49,360.81 and the curriculum purchase of Science (Physics) materials and supplies for $45,401.28. Implementation for both is set for the 2026-27 school year. 

• Lincoln Middle School Asbestos Abatement Bid Package #1 - Summer 2026 Renovation for $177,600.00.  

• Lincoln Middle School Asbestos Abatement Bid Package #2 - Summer 2026 Demolition for $129,700.00.  

2026-27 School Calendar 
The Board also approved the 2026-27 school calendar. Due to the uncertainty around Election Day 2026 and whether it will be considered an Illinois School holiday, the Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 school calendar with certain dates dependent on November 3, 2026, student attendance. 

The 2026-2027 school calendar will also include the following definite dates: 

• Teacher Institutes on August 17 and 18, 2026 

• First day of student attendance on August 19, 2026 - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE (PM) 

• Madison County Institute on October 9, 2026 - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE 

• Thanksgiving Break – November 25 - 27, 2026 

• Holiday Break – December 21, 2026, through January 1, 2027 

• Teacher Institute on January 4, 2027 - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE 

• Students return to school - January 5, 2027 

• Spring Break – March 24 - 29, 2027 

• Students return to school – April 7, 2026 

• High School Graduation – Sunday, June 6, 2027 

 

The following dates are dependent on the decision regarding November 3, 2026 : 

Election Day - Holiday and NO student attendance 

• Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 30 and November 2, 2026 - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE 
• Last Day for Student Attendance – May 26, 2027 
• 5 emergency days – May 27 through June 3, 2027 (if needed) 

Election Day - Student attendance day 

• Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 29 and 30, 2026 - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE 
• Last Day for Student Attendance – May 25, 2027 
• 5 emergency days – May 26 through June 2, 2027 (if needed) 

 

February Meetings:  

• Monday, Feb. 9: Board of Education work session (6 p.m. at Liberty Middle School) 

• Monday, Feb. 23: Board of Education monthly meeting (7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)