Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: March 2026

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Monday, March 23, 2026, 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 Diligent website once approved by the Board. 

Superintendent's Report 

• Interim Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan visited Mrs. McClay’s class at Woodland Elementary during Read Across America Week, reading a book to the students. 

• The district was well represented at the 2026 Business Forecast Breakfast, hosted by the City of Edwardsville. Students from the CEO program attended, and members of the EHS Chamber Orchestra provided music for the event.  

• Dr. Duncan met with PTO leadership to discuss several key topics, including background check procedures, Teacher Appreciation Week, and planning for the annual PTO Leadership Conference, scheduled for May 18.  

• Teacher Advisory groups met last week. These meetings, which include sessions with EHS, middle schools, and elementary schools, offer feedback and ensure a wide range of perspectives are heard across the district.  

• Leadership Academy also met last week. This group is for teachers interested in developing their leadership skills and strengthening the future leadership pipeline in District #7. During the meeting, they heard a presentation from Tara Fox, Director of Curriculum, on having difficult conversations.  

• Building visits are ongoing, with 10 complete and three remaining. Early observations highlight the strength of staff, continued improvement in systems, respect for staff time, and an intentional pace of work across schools. 

• A few important calendar reminders: Spring Break will take place April 1-6. Student registration opens Monday, April 13, with additional information to be shared following Spring Break. 

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

Monday night’s Shoutouts went to:  

• Debbie Samoska, Nelson kindergarten teacher, Julia Pecher, Woodland fourth grade teacher, and Eemaan Mahmood, Woodland third grade teacher for supporting a student and former student at his championship 10U hockey game.  

• Troy Cobb, EHS social worker, for helping a student navigate the final months of high school with care, accountability, and kindness. 

• Shannon Weber, Worden third grade teacher, for the lasting impact she makes through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering support, creating a classroom where students feel deeply loved and cared for every day. 

• EHS Wrestling Coaches for building a positive, disciplined, and confidence-driven program while investing time, passion, and care into developing student-athletes both on and off the mat. 

• Ashley Valenzuela, EHS English teacher, for the passion, dedication, and care she brings to her classroom, making students feel heard, valued, and supported while inspiring confidence and a love of learning. 

• Jennifer Nottmeier, Columbus fourth grade teacher, for creating a classroom where every student feels seen, supported, and genuinely cared for while demonstrating an exceptional commitment to each child’s success. 

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

Recognitions 

• Columbus fourth grader Amos Newcom and Cassens fourth grader Madison Hubbs were named District #7’s February Students of the Month. Amos was recognized for consistently demonstrating exceptional efficiency in his work, especially during writing assignments. Madison was recognized for her kindness, empathy, and powerful message. During a recent classroom “I Have a Dream” activity, she shared that her dream is for autistic children to never be bullied.  

• Sophomore Emma Rogers of the EHS girls wrestling team was recognized for placing sixth at the IHSA state wrestling tournament.  

• The EHS boys wrestling team set a program record with four state medalists, including senior Roman Janek (3rd place at 215 pounds), sophomore Michael McNamara (3rd place at 106), junior Braylon Hill-Lomax (5th place at 285) and senior Ryan Richie (6th place at 144).  

• Senior Derek Ruehl and sophomore Jackson Suhre of the EHS boys swimming and diving team were medalists at the IHSA state meet in February. Ruehl became the first diver in school history to earn a state medal, finishing 16th. Suhre finished 16th in the 500-yard freestyle to earn a medal and became the first EHS swimmer to medal in the 500 since Olympian Billy Stapleton won the state title in 1982-83. Suhre also competed in the 200-yard freestyle, placing 33rd.  

In action, the board approved:  

• The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) membership for the 2026-27 school year.  

• Board expectations, which have been established to provide additional information on the collective responsibility that all Board members hold.  

• The purchase of Earth and Space Science materials and supplies at EHS for an estimated cost of $32,192.25. Implementation of the new materials is set for the 2026-27 school year. 

• The purchase of Physical Science materials and supplies at EHS for an estimated cost of $33,318.79. Implementation of the new materials is set for the 2026-227 school year. 

• The bid from Byrne and Jones for the EHS teacher parking lot maintenance project for $368,000, which was under budget. The project includes pulverizing the existing asphalt to create a cement-modified base and repaving with new asphalt. Additional work includes all incidental items necessary to complete a fully functional parking lot and drive. The project will be funded through the District’s Operations and Maintenance Fund. 

• The bid from Mitel for $628,442.24 to upgrade the District’s telephone system. Support for the MiVoice Office 250 system will end in June 2026, and replacement parts will no longer be available. The upgrade will allow the District to reuse existing IP and conference phones to reduce costs while also providing new phones for classrooms and offices. 

April Meetings:  

• Monday, April 13: Board of Education work session (6 p.m. at Liberty Middle School) 

• Monday, April 27: Board of Education monthly meeting (7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)