Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: July 2026

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Monday, July 27, 2026, 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 intended to assist the District #7 community. The official minutes will be available on the Board of Education Diligent website once approved by the Board.

From the Superintendent's Report

• District principals and assistant principals returned last week to begin preparing for the 2026–27 school year. On Tuesday, July 21, the district kicked off its annual Leadership Bootcamps, a series of professional learning sessions designed to prepare school leaders for the year ahead. Throughout last week and continuing this week, administrators are participating in sessions led by the Superintendent's Office, Public Relations, Curriculum, Special Education, Buildings & Grounds, Technology, Business Services, Safety & Security, Nutrition Services, and Human Resources, along with a district policy review. The Leadership Bootcamps are designed to strengthen districtwide alignment and equip administrators with the information, resources, and support needed for a smooth and successful start to the new school year.
• As of Friday afternoon, 6,133 students have been enrolled for the 2026-27 school year. Enrollment and registration continue as the district prepares to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 19. 
• The Curriculum Department will host New Hire Orientation from August 3-7 to welcome and support teachers beginning their careers in District 7. The program is designed to familiarize new staff with district initiatives, instructional expectations, available resources, and support systems while fostering connections with colleagues and district leadership before the start of the school year. 

Summer Facilities & Construction Update
As preparations continue for the new school year, District 7 is making significant progress on several summer construction and maintenance projects.  

Edwardsville High School Staff Parking Lot 
The new staff parking lot has been completed and is fully operational. 

Midway Parking Lot 
Work on the Midway parking lot is progressing as scheduled. The existing asphalt has been removed, and a new traffic island is being added to improve traffic flow. The project is expected to be completed before the start of the school year. 

Nelson Elementary Roof Replacement 
Roof replacement at Nelson Elementary is underway following hail damage sustained during the 2024-25 school year. 

Hamel Elementary Exterior Improvements 
Hamel Elementary received an exterior facelift with fresh paint on the soffits, gutters, and exterior walls, giving the building a refreshed appearance.

District Central Office 
Construction on the District Central Office began in March in the former EHS South building. The Superintendent's Office and Special Education Department have already moved into the new space. The Business Office is expected to relocate next month, with the Curriculum Department anticipated to move in by the end of the school year. 

Lincoln Middle School 

• Parent Drop-Off Area: Construction continues on the new parent drop-off area. This portion of the project was not scheduled for completion before the start of the school year.  
• Courtyard: A new outdoor courtyard is being created to provide students with additional space for lunch, recess, physical education classes, and other activities. The area will feature basketball hoops and ample seating.  
• Auditorium: Work is nearing completion. Remaining tasks include installing the epoxy floor, completing stage finishes, painting, and reinstalling the seats. The auditorium is expected to be ready before students return.  

See before-and-after or current photos of projects listed above on the District #7 website.