Geneseo School Board Recap: Retirements, Solar Energy, and Career Education

The Geneseo Board of Education meeting on May 14 featured recognition for longtime educators, discussion surrounding a proposed district solar project, and updates on district finances .

The meeting began with recognition of Pinks’ Bus Service’s 80th anniversary, along with acknowledgment of seven retiring educators who collectively represent decades of service to Geneseo schools. Those recognized included Kathy Buysse, Scott Christensen, Darren Hall, Larry Johnsen Jr., Dean Johnson, Stephen LaCroix, and Bob Thomas.

Consultant Mike Ellis of E-Quantum Consulting was present to answer board questions about the proposed solar project at the middle school. The proposed project carries an estimated cost of approximately $569,000, with projected rebates totaling roughly $227,000. Renewable energy credits could further offset costs with a projected payback period of around 9.5 years.

Board members discussed multiple logistical considerations tied to the project, including panel placement, fencing requirements, electrical infrastructure complications, and whether alternate locations near athletic facilities or parking areas may be preferable. District officials also discussed the need to gather additional competitive quotes before moving forward. A formal vote on the project will take place during the June 11 meeting after revised estimates and updated information are reviewed.

District financial updates showed sales tax revenue increasing approximately 17% year-over-year, while the district’s expense budget remains on track.

The board also discussed the district’s ongoing education fund deficit and measures being explored to improve long-term sustainability. District leadership indicated stabilization efforts will likely require a combination of cost-saving measures, staffing adjustments through attrition, and continued operational review rather than a single-year solution.

Additional financial discussion centered around an interfund loan resolution tied to the education fund, with more than $2 million in working cash expected to be temporarily transferred to the education fund before eventually being repaid.

Superintendent reports also included information on an upcoming Career & Technical Education Center dedication ceremony on May 19 at 1:30.

District officials also discussed an intergovernmental agreement with Riverdale, Annawan, and Cambridge that would allow students from those districts to participate in Geneseo’s Building Trades program through the Career & Technical Education Center. Administrators indicated approximately seven non-Geneseo students are currently expected to participate. District leadership emphasized the partnership would not reduce opportunities or available spots for Geneseo students, but instead helps strengthen and sustain the program through broader regional participation.

The board additionally completed or reviewed several routine annual items, including administrative contracts, cafeteria meal pricing, transportation contracts, handbooks, policy updates, and the tentative amended FY26 budget.

The Geneseo Education Foundation was also recognized for donating nearly $62,000 in grants to the district.

Further information on the proposed solar project is forthcoming.

Geneseo City Council Discusses Infrastructure Costs, Rail Plans, and Police Recruitment Challenges




The Geneseo City Council meeting on May 12 featured major discussions surrounding rising infrastructure costs, the future possibility of passenger rail service in Geneseo, ongoing public works projects, and growing concerns over police recruitment and retention.

Former Alderman Roodhouse with Major Johnson

The meeting also marked a transition on the council, as Alderman James Roodhouse concluded eight years of service on the council. Mayor Sean Johnson thanked Roodhouse for his dedication to the city, praising his precision, professionalism, and continued service to the community through his role with the Geneseo School District.

Major John and Alderman Arnold are sworn in

Former Geneseo police officer Chavez sworn in

Mayor Sean Johnson and Alderman Craig Arnold were officially sworn in following their reelection victories, while Michael Chavez was later appointed to fill the vacant Ward 2 council seat. Chavez, a longtime Geneseo police officer, was praised by the mayor for his commitment to the community and public service background.

Chamber Reports Strong Event Participation

Chamber officials introduced new Executive Director Lindsie Akers, who officially began the role May 4. Chamber President Jenna Rushing highlighted Akers’ background in marketing, event management, and communications.

The Chamber also reported strong attendance at recent downtown events. Organizers said Art Walk benefited significantly from the addition of the Farmers Market downtown, while more than 400 tickets were sold for the upcoming Wine Walk. Rushing said 28 businesses are participating in the event.

North State Street Construction Continues

IMEG Engineering discussed progress on the North State Street reconstruction project, noting that sewer work has been completed and crews are now installing the water main. Ogden Avenue has reopened following utility work near the high school.

Officials said the project remains on an aggressive timeline, with hopes of reaching significant completion before the start of the school year.

The city is also continuing work on Well 33, though delays with IEPA permitting continue to slow activation of the new water source.

Sidewalk Project Sparks Budget Concerns

A lengthy discussion focused on the Chicago Street sidewalk project after final engineering estimates came in significantly higher than the city’s original preliminary estimates. Engineers explained the increase was largely tied to ADA compliance issues discovered during final surveying.

Council members questioned why the costs were not identified earlier, while engineers explained that preliminary budgeting estimates are often developed before full site surveying occurs. Mayor Johnson acknowledged the frustration but noted the issue stemmed from final elevation measurements showing portions of the roadway were slightly outside ADA compliance standards.

The council ultimately approved a bid of approximately $184,000 for the construction costs, including spending roughly $42,000 above the original budget estimate.

Pedestrian Bridge Costs Rise

The council also revisited concerns regarding the proposed pedestrian bridge near Richmond Hill. Engineers explained that updated Illinois Department of Natural Resources floodway requirements forced major redesign changes, including raising the bridge nearly six feet to eliminate any measurable floodwater rise during major flooding events.

Officials expressed frustration with what they described as inconsistent state-level regulatory interpretations and increasing project costs. Mayor Johnson said the city remains in a difficult position because the current crossing area lacks a safe pedestrian route.

Further discussion on bridge costs and potential grant support is expected later this month.

Passenger Rail Discussion Expected This Summer

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin reported that IDOT is expected to visit Geneseo in the coming months to formally discuss the long-discussed passenger rail proposal that could bring a rail stop to the city.

Officials said the city would eventually need to decide whether it is willing to commit to building and maintaining a rail depot if the project moves forward. Mayor Johnson emphasized that while the concept is exciting, the long-term financial obligations could significantly affect future city capital planning.

Council members also discussed gathering additional public input before making any long-term decisions regarding the project.

Police Recruitment Becoming Increasingly Difficult

Mayor Johnson and Police Chief Casey Disterhoft described growing challenges in recruiting police officers, calling the current hiring environment one of the most difficult they have seen.

Officials said departments across Illinois are competing for a shrinking pool of applicants, with some agencies offering large signing bonuses and other incentives. The city recently formed an ad hoc committee to explore ways Geneseo can remain competitive in both recruiting and retaining officers.

Additional Updates

Additional updates during the meeting included:

  • Work beginning on full rehabilitation and painting of the North Water Tower

  • Delivery of the city’s new jet truck for sewer maintenance

  • Upcoming ribbon cutting plans for the Richmond Hill Park stage project

  • Approval of a $50,000 revolving loan fund request for DeSplinter Electric to assist with parking lot improvements following reconstruction of its tornado-damaged facility

Geneseo School Board Preview: Solar Proposal, Staff Changes, Meal Prices and More

The Geneseo Board of Education is set to meet Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the district office, with agenda items ranging from solar energy planning and cafeteria meal prices to staffing changes, vocational partnerships, grants, and end-of-year recognitions.

One of the evening’s major discussion items will involve a presentation and Q&A regarding solar energy opportunities for the district. Mike Ellis of E-Quantum Consulting is scheduled to speak with the board regarding a proposed solar project tied to Geneseo Middle School.

According to board materials, the proposal outlines a potential 201.84 kW solar installation capable of producing an estimated 270,633 kWh annually and offsetting approximately 37.6% of the middle school’s energy use. The proposal estimates a total project cost of approximately $569,000 before incentives. However, federal direct-pay tax incentives and Illinois renewable energy incentives could reduce the district’s estimated net cost to roughly $115,000. (Find solar plan details here.)

The board will also consider proposed cafeteria meal price increases for the 2026-27 school year as the district works toward federally required Paid Lunch Equity pricing targets.

Under the proposal:

  • Elementary lunch prices would increase from $3.10 to $3.20

  • Grades 6-12 lunches would increase from $3.30 to $3.40

  • Adult lunches would increase from $4.75 to $5.00

  • Student breakfast prices would increase from $2.25 to $2.35

  • Milk prices would remain unchanged at $0.50 per carton

District officials note the recommendations are based on federal Paid Lunch Equity requirements under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. (See lunch price details here.)

Several agenda items focus on personnel and staffing ahead of next school year. Board materials include anticipated teaching assignments, extracurricular sponsors, coaching positions, internal transfers, and student teacher placements for 2026-27. Proposed assignments include positions tied to National Honor Society, Dance Marathon, Special Olympics, vocal music, science, and athletics. (See details here.)

The board is also expected to review proposed ESP (Educational Support Personnel) handbook and policy changes for the 2026-27 school year. Proposed revisions involve overtime procedures, time sheet submissions, sick leave requests, bereavement leave documentation, insurance language updates, and wage schedule adjustments. (Details available here.)

Another notable topic involves vocational and career education partnerships. The board is expected to review intergovernmental agreements tied to Geneseo’s vocational center programming, including partnerships with Cambridge and Annawan school districts. The agreements would allow eligible students from participating districts to attend Geneseo vocational courses, subject to enrollment capacity and available space. (Details available here.)

Financially, the district’s May financial report shows monthly expenditures totaling approximately $2.9 million, including both payroll and board bills. Board materials describe expenditures as “typical expenditures for this time of year.” (See report here.)

The district’s education fund cash balance has continued to decline through the fiscal year, with the report showing the education fund balance at approximately $57,105 at the end of April. Other operating funds, including operations and maintenance, transportation, and debt service, remain substantially higher.

The meeting will also include several recognitions and celebrations.

The board plans to recognize Pinks’ Bus Service for 80 years of partnership with the district. Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado’s report notes that Pinks’ has transported Geneseo students since 1946.

Several retiring educators and staff members will also be recognized, including:

  • Kathy Buysse

  • Scott Christensen

  • Darren Hall

  • Larry Johnsen Jr.

  • Dean Johnson

  • Steven LaCroix

  • Bob Thomas

Dr. Delgado’s report additionally notes that the final student attendance day for the 2025-26 school year will be May 22 with an 11:30 dismissal, while the first student attendance day for the 2026-27 school year is scheduled for August 12. (See the report here.)

Board materials also include a lengthy list of Geneseo Education Foundation spring grants supporting classroom and extracurricular initiatives across the district. (Details can be found here.)

Some of the larger grants include:

  • $9,900 for a Cirque Amongus circus arts program

  • $7,596 for marching band trumpets

  • $6,120 for middle school science and math calculators

  • Robotics and STEM-related classroom equipment

  • Literacy and guided reading resources

  • Communication tools and adaptive learning materials

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Geneseo CUSD #228 District Office located at 648 N. Chicago Street.

Find complete meeting information here.

Geneseo’s Bookstore Now Has a Book Trailer

Anthology for Books is taking its love of stories on the road.

The independent, woman-owned Geneseo bookstore is launching “Once Upon a Trailer,” a new mobile book trailer designed to bring the Anthology experience beyond the walls of its downtown brick-and-mortar store and into festivals, markets, schools, community events, and even private gatherings. The project combines creativity, community collaboration, and a little bit of leap-of-faith energy — something Anthology owner Beth Terpening says likely would not have happened without bookseller Savannah Beazer.

“I’m not sure I would have done something this audacious if not for Savannah,” Terpening said. “She was the one with the vision and confidence to make this happen. She saw a possibility I couldn’t even imagine!”

For Beazer, the idea had been quietly developing for years.

“I have always dreamed of running a small bakery/bookshop, and I’ve always loved festivals, vendor events, and anything ‘pop-up,’” she said. “When I shifted to staying home with my youngest daughter, my husband and I started talking about ways I could bring those dreams to life, and that’s when I began imagining the bookmobile.”

The pair already had a trailer, shelving, and plenty of ambition — but not yet the pathway to make the vision happen.

“What we didn’t have,” said Beazer, “was a way to procure books or the knowledge of where to even begin.”

As life became busy raising their three daughters, Beazer shelved the idea temporarily. But after she joined the Anthology team last fall, conversations about the trailer resurfaced. This year, the timing finally felt right.

“We wanted bigger dreams, bigger opportunities, and new ways to help Anthology grow,” Beazer said. “It felt like a risk worth taking, and now here we are, watching Once Upon a Trailer come to life.”

Terpening credits Beazer and her husband Brendan for helping turn the concept into reality.

“Savannah and Brendan have been so generous,” Terpening said. “Not just with their trailer, but by pouring so much time, effort, and love into this thing. I am in awe of their energy!”

Like many ambitious projects, the road to completion came with a few unexpected challenges — including a flat tire, difficult design decisions, and figuring out how to create the atmosphere of a full bookstore inside a much smaller mobile space.

“The challenge became figuring out how to create a warm, inviting, energetic bookstore atmosphere … inside a trailer,” Beazer said.

Curating the inventory has also proven difficult.

“There are SO many incredible books, and every event will have a different audience and vibe,” Beazer said. “Curating the trailer for each specific event can be overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most fun parts because it lets us create a unique experience everywhere we go.”

The goal, both Terpening and Beazer say, is for visitors to immediately feel the same welcoming energy Anthology has become known for in Geneseo.

“First, I hope there’s a wow factor — a little shock and awe that Geneseo not only has a bookstore, but a bookmobile as well,” Terpening said. “Then I hope that quickly fades to a feeling of welcome. I want people to experience the same cozy, easy, friendly vibe of our bookstore.”

Beazer says the experience is meant to feel immersive and joyful.

“We want people to walk in and immediately feel the magic of Anthology, even in a much smaller space,” she said. “We want them to come in, dance along to Fabre and Beth’s playlists, browse the thoughtfully curated book selections, check out the merch, take photos, and soak in the warm, exciting energy of being surrounded by fellow book lovers.”

The trailer’s future possibilities remain wide open.

Terpening says Anthology is currently exploring festivals, fairs, schools, churches, workplaces, and even private parties as potential destinations.

“Two people have already asked if we’re willing to bring Once Upon a Trailer to their house for a birthday party,” Terpening said. “Why not?!”

For now, Anthology is balancing excitement with practicality as it builds out its summer schedule.

“I’m serious about my team’s mental and physical health, so we’ve got to moderate our go-go-go enthusiasm with a realistic view of what our calendars and brains and bodies can take,” Terpening said.

Once a schedule is finalized, Anthology plans to share appearances through its website, social media channels, and community partners.

Organizations or businesses interested in collaborating with Once Upon a Trailer can contact Savannah Beazer at savannah@anthology4books.com. Anthology says it remains open to creative partnerships and new ideas as the project evolves.

“Anthology is all about collaboration,” Terpening said. “I bet someone will step forward with a possibility we’ve never even imagined. After all, that’s how this whole thing got started.”