Chamber Kicks Off 2026 with Networking Event at Central Schoolhouse Inn

Chamber President Jenna Rushing welcomes businesses and speaks about the Chamber’s 2026 priorities. Photo by Sarah DeMaranville

by Sarah DeMaranville

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce hosted its first networking event of 2026 on Friday, February 27, at Central Schoolhouse Inn, bringing together approximately 40 local businesses for an evening of updates and networking.

Chamber board members were present as President Jenna Rushing of Hanford Insurance shared the Chamber’s direction and priorities for 2026. Rushing summarized upcoming initiatives and focus areas intended to support and strengthen the local business community in the year ahead.

Business owner Katie Katsunis (Pegasus & Four Seasons) shares information on the new gift card roll-out. Photo by Sarah DeMaranville

Katie Katsunis, owner of Four Seasons and Pegasus, introduced the Chamber’s new gift card program. The program replaces traditional check-style gift certificates with an updated system designed to streamline transactions and modernize how Chamber gift cards are issued and redeemed among participating businesses.

The evening provided business owners and community leaders an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and gain insight into what’s ahead for the Chamber in 2026. The Chamber plans to host quarterly networking meetings throughout the year, with events taking place at various area businesses.

For information on Chamber of Commerce membership and benefits, visit geneseo.org.

Delivery Day to Dress for Success of the Quad Cities

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kim Schwarzkopf, left, and Bethany Winkleman

It was “delivery day” to Dress for Success of the Quad Cities when Kim Schwarzkopf and Bethany Winkleman finished packing the items that were collected for the not-for-profit support system. 

  Winkleman’s State Farm Insurance office, at 113 South State St. in downtown Geneseo, has been the drop-off point for the last two months for new or gently-used business attire clothing items, purses, and shoes for women only.  Dress for Success is a not-for-profit that provides career coaching, professional clothing and a support network to help Quad City and surrounding area women thrive in work and in life.

   Winkleman said this year’s donations were consistent, as they have been in the last four years that she has sponsored the clothing drive…”Even though I grew up in this community, it still amazes me at how generous the people are that live in Geneseo,” she added.

   Winkleman is the owner of Bethany Winkleman State Farm office in downtown Geneseo, and Schwarzkopf owns and operates A Spotted Apron, located at 12727 Wolf Road, Geneseo. 
Photo by Claudia Loucks

 

The Scoop: February School Board Meeting Recap

By Sarah DeMaranville

At its February meeting, the Geneseo Board of Education reviewed the district’s Winter 2026 Data Progress Report, a Behavioral Interventions Committee summary, and the Superintendent’s monthly report. See all reports here.

Academic Data

Winter MAP data for grades 1–8 shows:

  • Reading proficiency at 60%, compared to 58% last spring.

  • Math proficiency at 49%, compared to 46% last spring.

The district administers MAP assessments in fall, winter, and spring to monitor student growth.

Attendance data was also presented. First quarter district attendance was 96.2%. Second quarter attendance was 94.4%.

Behavioral Interventions Committee

The Board reviewed a summary of the January 14 Behavioral Interventions Committee meeting.

The committee reviewed policies and procedures related to student misconduct, discipline for students with disabilities, and bullying, intimidation, and harassment.

According to the summary, the committee “shared data regarding bullying incidents in our district last year and this year, noting there are very few incidents in Geneseo.”

The committee also discussed staff training, including de-escalation training and trauma-informed practices, and reviewed classroom behaviors and Tier 1 supports. The committee plans to meet twice per year, with the next meeting scheduled for fall 2026.

Superintendent Report

Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado provided updates including:

  • Dean Johnson was named Blackhawk Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association.

  • Collective bargaining discussions are ongoing.

  • February 16 will serve as a snow make-up day.

  • The 5Essentials Survey is open to students, staff, and families.

  • Approximately 60 GHS juniors took a practice ACT on February 6.

  • Melanie Henderson was introduced as the new Assistant Principal at Geneseo Middle School.

Next Steps

The district reported plans to continue developing sections of the strategic plan, identify and monitor action steps and metrics, focus on data collection and professional development, and share information with the Board of Education and the community.

Sources: Winter 2026 Data Progress Report; Behavioral Interventions Committee Summary (Jan. 14, 2026); Superintendent Report to the Board (Feb. 6, 2026).

The Geneseo Current independently prepares this recap using publicly available Board reports and documents. The district does not review or endorse this publication.