Board of Education Work Session Summary: August 2025

The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education met on Monday, August 11, 2025, in the Liberty Middle School Auditorium for its monthly work 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. 

Budget Discussion 
David Courtney, CFO/COO, reviewed the preliminary June 30, 2025 financial results, and discussed the preliminary 2025-26 tentative budget. The Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 18 to further discuss the 2025-26 tentative budget and vote to approve to displaying it.  

Hamel Building Abatement/Renovation Options 
Possible renovation of the pods at Hamel Elementary were presented, which would include classrooms and a media center. The presented plan would cost $4.2 million and would include asbestos abatement. Additional options and ideas will be shared with the board.  

EHS South Renovation 
The Board discussed potential renovations to EHS South to create office space for central office staff, which would allow the District to end its lease at the Mark Twain offices when the current agreements for Mark Twain I and III expire in September 2026. The north area (right side) of South would require minimal updates, while the other side would need more extensive renovations to improve efficiency. 

The Hadley House was also briefly discussed, with more conversation planned for a later date; however, the District intends to retain this property.  

Staffing Update 
Dr. Brian Lane, Director of Human Resources, provided an update on staffing for the 2025-26 school year. All but four certified staff positions have been filled, including an EHS business teacher, a school psychologist, an early childhood special education teacher, and a Bilingual English Language Learner teacher. Plans are in place to provide coverage for these positions.  

Back to School Report 
Dr. Shelton provided an overview of things happening across the district as schools prepare to officially welcome back students next week.  

• Last week new educators to the District were welcomed and had a week-long orientation.  

• Intermediate buildings held a 3rd Grade Parent Night to help parents with the transition from their primary to intermediate building.  

• Later this week, middle and high schools will have welcome back events for students to pick up their device, purchase PE uniforms, or take school/yearbook and ID photos. Mascot Welcomes for students in 3rd, 6th, and 9th grades will be held on Friday. 

• As of Monday night’s meeting, there were 6,825 enrollments with students still registering daily.  

• As part of an update on construction, Woodland pick-up and drop-off will change as a result of the drive being regraded. Woodland principal Dr. Williams will share more information with those families.  

• All secure entry projects are substantially completed.  

• Final touches, including furniture, are being done with the Commons expansion at EHS. Tiger Bites, the new grab-and-go food option will be ready for the first day of school.  

• Over 20,000 square feet has undergone abatement at Lincoln. Demolition of the previous cafeteria is complete.  

Next Meeting:  
Monday, Aug. 25: Board of Education Monthly Meeting (7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School) 
Monday, Sept. 8: Board of Education Work Session (6 p.m. at Liberty Middle School)