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Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: May 2026

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Board of Education Monthly Meeting Summary: May 2026

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Tuesday, May 26, 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.

To read a summary of the April Board of Education work session held on May 12, click here.

From the Superintendent's Report

  • Dr. Allen Duncan, Jr. congratulated the Edwardsville High School girls track team, which was named the Illinois High School Association Class 3A co-state champion. The Tigers also had three individual state champions: Joi Story in the shot put, Sophie Shapiro in the 300-meter hurdles, and Jayla Gathing in the discus.
  • Dr. Duncan also congratulated the Liberty Middle School boys track team on finishing third overall at the IESA state track meet.
  • Dr. Duncan thanked Sairee Knabe at Edwardsville High School for all her work with this year’s prom.

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

  • Rob Canada, Columbus Elementary fifth-grade teacher, for creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment that helped a reserved student build confidence, connect with classmates, and develop a stronger love of school and reading.
  • Grace Costello, Liberty Middle School social studies teacher for her positive, encouraging personality and for building meaningful connections with students both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Samantha Friedman, Woodland Elementary third-grade teacher, for her compassionate, individualized support of students and for building strong partnerships with families to help students grow academically and emotionally.
  • Stacy Ehrman, Business Office, for assisting an employee with benefits and insurance needs while always being prompt and kind.
  • Debbie Samoska, Nelson Elementary kindergarten teacher, for her dedication to students both in and out of the classroom and for consistently supporting and encouraging them beyond the school day.
  • Abby Wible, Glen Carbon Elementary kindergarten teacher, for her dedication to students both in and out of the classroom and for consistently supporting and encouraging them beyond the school day.
  • Emily Gnaedinger, Lincoln Middle School psychologist, for her unwavering advocacy for students, thoughtful support of staff, and commitment to helping every student achieve success.

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

Recognitions

  • Hamel Elementary first grader John Burnett and Lincoln Middle School seventh grader Aynsleigh Shelton were named District #7 April Students of the Month. John was recognized for consistently demonstrating responsibility, helpfulness, focus, and respect while making tremendous growth in communicating his needs and contributing positively to the classroom community. Aynsleigh was recognized for her outstanding leadership, which included organizing a fundraiser benefiting the Metro East Humane Society.
  • Lincoln Middle School 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team was honored for their fourth-place finish at the IESA State Tournament after qualifying for state for the first time in 10 years.
  • Edwardsville High School Journalism Team was recognized for winning the IHSA State Journalism competition, marking the program’s fourth state championship since 2017. 
  • Special Olympics Unified Sports was recognized for another successful year, highlighted by the unified basketball team earning a second-place finish at the IHSA state tournament. Unified sports brings together students with and without disabilities to compete alongside one another, promoting inclusion, teamwork, and school pride. The unified dance team also continued its impressive growth this year, participating in both IHSA and IDTA competitions. In addition to the team accomplishments, several students were recognized for individual achievements outside of school-sponsored activities, including qualifying for state competitions in bowling and swimming.
  • District #7 recognized several administrative retirees for their years of service and dedication to students, staff and families. Those recognized included Dr. Cornelia Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (28 years); Dr. Steve Stuart, Executive Director for the EGHM Foundation (26 years); Bill Miener, Director of Special Projects (25 years); and Lori Compton, Special Education Coordinator (25 years).

Curriculum Advisory Committee

The Board of Education continued its discussion regarding the proposed Curriculum Advisory Committee, including the committee’s establishment, purpose, duration, and membership structure. Board members reviewed the latest draft and will continue the conversation during the June Board Retreat.

In action, the Board approved:

  • Resolutions extending District #7’s participation in both the Mississippi Valley Employee Benefits Intergovernmental Cooperative and the Mississippi Valley Property Casualty Intergovernmental Cooperative for up to three additional years, as required by the cooperatives’amended by-laws. These regional partnerships allow participating school districts to collaborate on employee benefits programs, insurance coverage and risk management services.
  • The 2026-2027 copier/duplicating paper bid for $60,965.50.
  • The 2026-2027 school bus diesel fuel bid to Heritage Petroleum.
  • The 2026-2027 food service pizza vendor bid. Domino's was the lowest responsible bidder at a price of $7.60 per large pizza.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding between District #7 and the Nature Preserve Foundation to renew a partnership supporting educational opportunities at the Watershed Nature Center. Through the agreement, a District #7 certified teacher will work at the center up to two days per week to assist with programming and field trips for District #7 students, with the Nature Preserve Foundation reimbursing the district based on an established per diem rate. On remaining days, the teacher will serve as a permanent roving substitute within the district.
  • The bid for the Midway Elementary parking lot reconstruction project, which includes improvements to the southern drive-through and parking areas, ADA-accessible entrance upgrades, seal coating and crack sealing, and drainage enhancements. Byrne and Jones Construction submitted the lowest responsive bid at $357,800, which came in under the project’s estimated budget of $557,500. The project will be funded through the district’s Operations and Maintenance Fund.
  • The bid for masonry repairs and repointing work at Glen Carbon, Leclaire and Woodland elementary schools. Mason’s Masonry Restoration submitted the lowest responsive bid at $198,410, which was below the estimated project budget of $495,000. The work will be funded through the district’s Health Life Safety Fund.
  • The disposal of surplus technology equipment, maintenance and grounds equipment, and miscellaneous furniture that are no longer usable or cost-effective to repair. In accordance with Illinois School Code, the district will advertise the items for sale, with any unsold items to be properly disposed of.

June Meeting:

Monday, June 22: Board of Education Meeting (7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)

 

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