Find Waldo Local Invites Families to Explore Geneseo Businesses This July

Families looking for a fun summer adventure have a new reason to explore local businesses this July.

Throughout the month, Anthology for Books is bringing Find Waldo Local to Geneseo, a free community-wide scavenger hunt that encourages participants to shop local while searching for everyone's favorite striped traveler.

The game begins at Anthology for Books, where participants can pick up a free Find Waldo Local passport. From there, they'll visit 25 participating businesses throughout Geneseo, each hiding a small Waldo figurine somewhere inside.

When Waldo is found, participants receive a stamp in their passport before heading off to the next location.

The more stamps collected, the bigger the reward.

Participants who collect 10 stamps will earn a prize, while those who collect 20 stamps can be entered into the grand prize drawing to be held during a Waldo celebration on July 31.

Businesses participating in the hunt can be identified by a Find Waldo Local window cling, making it easy for families to know where to search.

The month-long event is designed to encourage families to explore Geneseo, discover local businesses, and enjoy a self-paced activity together throughout July. Whether participants choose to search for a few Waldos each week or try to find them all in a single weekend, the hunt offers a fun way to experience the community while supporting local businesses.

Anthology for Books serves as the event headquarters, where participants can pick up passports, ask questions, and even search for Wizard Whitebeard, another hidden character located inside the bookstore.

Find Waldo Local is an annual, nationwide program created by Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association. Independent bookstores apply to participate, and Anthology for Books is proud to be included this year. The booksellers are excited to lead a community-wide collaboration that celebrates local businesses and brings the beloved Where's Waldo? books to life.

How to Participate

Pick up a free Find Waldo Local passport at Anthology for Books.Visit 25 participating Geneseo businesses and search for the hidden Waldo figurine.Collect 10 stamps to earn a prize.Collect 20 stamps to be entered into the July 31 grand prize drawing.Look for the Find Waldo Local window cling displayed at participating businesses.

For families looking to add a little adventure to their summer, Find Waldo Local offers a simple reason to get out, explore Geneseo, and see how many Waldos they can find before the end of July.

For more information, see this Facebook reel.

10 Easy Ways to Support the Henry County Humane Society

The Henry County Humane Society operates on an annual budget of approximately $250,000 and relies entirely on community support to provide shelter, medical care, and second chances for animals in need. Here are ten ways to help, starting with the simplest and ending with some of the biggest commitments.

1. Share Adoptable Pets on Social Media

A simple share can help an animal find its future family. Follow the Henry County Humane Society here.

2. Promote Responsible Pet Ownership

Encourage spaying, neutering, microchipping, and proper pet care within the community.

3. Attend Fundraising Events

Whether you're playing, volunteering, or spectating, event participation helps raise funds and awareness. Stay on top of upcoming events here.

4. Donate Supplies

Items such as pet food, cat litter, paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach, treats, and cleaning supplies are always appreciated. Click here for more information.

5. Donate Money

Financial contributions help cover veterinary bills, food, medications, utilities, and daily operations. Click here to donate.

6. Become a Monthly Donor

Recurring donations provide reliable funding that helps the Humane Society plan for the future and respond to ongoing needs.

7. Volunteer

Donate your time by helping with animal care, cleaning, events, transportation, or other shelter needs. Fill out an application here.

8. Foster

Provide temporary care for an animal while it waits for adoption. Click for more information and application.

9. Adopt

Open your home to a shelter animal looking for a forever family. Fill out your adoption application here.

10. Leave a Legacy Gift

Consider including the Humane Society in your estate plans or making a memorial gift in honor of a loved one. Legacy gifts can help support the organization's mission for years to come.

Every contribution—whether it's a social media share, a bag of pet food, a monthly donation, or opening your home to an animal in need—helps provide care, comfort, and a second chance for animals throughout Henry County.

From Shelter to Shop Supervisor: Eddie Finds Her Forever Home at Wirth, Inc.

Sometimes the best ideas begin as a joke.

For the team at Wirth, Inc., what started as a lighthearted conversation about bringing a stray cat into the shop soon became something much more meaningful—a forever home for a shelter cat named Edwina.

The Wirth family has long had a soft spot for animals, and shop cats have been part of the business for years. Previous feline "employees" like Dwyer, Michaels, and Lucy became familiar faces around the office.

That history gave employee Avery Kane an idea.

"I had been trying to lure one of the local stray cats into the shop because I knew they'd let it stay," Avery said. "When that wasn't working, I jokingly suggested we should just adopt one from the Humane Society."

The joke quickly turned into a real plan.

After spotting a photo of Edwina on the Henry County Humane Society's Facebook page, Avery and her mother, Britta—Wirth, Inc.'s office manager—headed to the shelter that Friday afternoon to meet her.

Although they spent time getting to know each of the available cats, one stood out.

"It was clear that Eddie was the perfect fit," Avery said.

The adoption experience at the Henry County Humane Society left a lasting impression.

Kim welcomed them to the shelter and introduced them to Edwina, explaining that she was blind in one eye—but that it never slowed her down. If anything, Avery said, it only made the cat more endearing.

After their adoption application was approved the following week, Wirth, Inc. owner Jason Wirth gave his blessing to welcome Eddie to the business. Linda even met Avery early that morning so Eddie could begin her new life before the workday started.

The shelter also sent Eddie home with food, treats, shampoo, and a collar to help make the transition easier.

"Everyone was so friendly and helpful," Avery said. "The shelter was clean, welcoming, and well cared for. We couldn't have asked for a better adoption experience."

Like many adopted pets, Eddie needed a little time to settle into her new surroundings. After about a week, however, she made herself completely at home.

Today, she has fully embraced her role as Wirth, Inc.'s unofficial shop supervisor.

She spends her days racing through the building, chasing toys, greeting employees and customers, curling up for naps, and making sure she receives plenty of attention from everyone she meets.

"She runs the place—and she knows it," Avery said with a laugh.

With her playful personality and affectionate nature, Eddie has become the perfect blend of sass and sweetness.

"She's the Queen of the Wirth, Inc. castle, and she brings us so much joy."

Her story is also a reminder of the difference adopting a shelter pet can make. A cat once waiting for a family has found not only a forever home, but a workplace full of people who adore her.

For the staff at Wirth, Inc., adopting Eddie wasn't simply adding another shop cat.

It was welcoming another member of the family.

Coming Soon: The Next Issue of The Current Scene

The next edition of The Current Scene is headed to mailboxes soon, and it's filled with local stories, fascinating history, practical homeowner tips, and community features you won't find anywhere else.

Here's a preview of what's inside:

• 🐎 Feature: Unbridled Spirits – Thoroughbred Retirement Ranch

• ❤️ GIFT Geneseo Community Foundation

• 🏫 The History of the Central Schoolhouse

• 🎶 The Story Behind the Central Bank Pavilion

• 🌺 Summer Curb Appeal

• 🐷 More Than Mud: What It's Really Like to Own Pet Pigs

• 🔧 What Homeowners Forget to Maintain

• 🌳 The Suburban Backyard

• 💧 Why Some Yards Flood

• 🛠️ Skills Kids Need Now (That Tech Doesn't Teach)

• 🤝 Teaching Kids to Handle Conflict

• 🎒 What the PTA Actually Does

• 📚 What Geneseo School District's Five-Year Plan Means for Families

• 🐾 Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat

• 🍓 Seasonal Recipes

• 🎨 Kids Page

Whether you're interested in local history, home improvement, parenting, gardening, pets, or simply discovering more about the community we call home, there's something for everyone in this issue.

The Current Scene is mailed free to thousands of Geneseo households and is made possible by the support of our local advertisers. We hope you'll enjoy another edition dedicated entirely to celebrating, informing, and connecting our community.

📬 Watch your mailbox—the next issue arrives soon!

Letter to the Editor: Quality of Life Is Worth Protecting

One of the reasons so many people choose to live in Geneseo is because of its quality of life. We take pride in our neighborhoods. We enjoy our parks, our downtown, and our sense of community. We want Geneseo to remain a place where families want to put down roots.

That doesn't happen by accident. Communities maintain their quality of life by recognizing problems and being willing to address them—even when the solutions aren't easy. The growing feral cat population is one of those issues.

For some residents, it's cats living under decks or in outbuildings. For others, it's flower beds being used as litter boxes, damaged property, late-night fighting, or concerns about wildlife. Those are legitimate concerns that deserve solutions.

One thing that's become clear through recent conversations is that there isn't a simple answer.

The Henry County Humane Society cannot simply take over and fix the issue. They have said that operating a Trap-Neuter-Return program is beyond its current capacity and resources.

If the City chooses to move forward with a community TNR program, it won't happen overnight. Information I’ve found suggests it could require 12 to 20 volunteers, hundreds of volunteer hours each year, and thousands of dollars to make a meaningful impact. The greatest effort would be required during the first couple of years before the population begins to decline.

Residents can disagree about the best way to address the feral cat population. But doing nothing isn't a plan. Left unchecked, the problem will become more difficult and more expensive to address as colonies double in size every year or two.

Geneseo has earned its reputation as a wonderful place to live. Preserving that reputation means facing difficult issues with practical solutions, realistic expectations, and a willingness to invest in the future of the community.

- Laura Bennett

Letter to the Editor: Keep the Spirit of Music Fest Alive

For the past five years, my husband and I have traveled from Florida to attend Geneseo's Father's Day Music Fest, where our grandchildren perform. It has become one of the highlights of our year—not just because of their performances, but because of what this event means to the young people in your community.

The Music Fest is far more than entertainment. It gives children the opportunity to set goals, practice for months, perform before an appreciative audience, and develop confidence, poise, and discipline. For many participants, including homeschooled students, these opportunities are invaluable.

The festival also showcases the very best of Geneseo. Visitors experience a welcoming community that celebrates its youth, values the arts, and preserves the traditions that make small-town America so special.

I sincerely hope the Father's Day Music Fest and childrens' performances remain a cherished part of Geneseo's future. It enriches young lives, strengthens community pride, and creates memories that families like ours treasure every year.

- Susan Harris

Letter to the Editor: Geneseo, Let’s Make This 4th of July Unforgettable!

This year marks America’s 250th birthday — the Semiquincentennial — and we have a chance to show our kids what real community pride and patriotism look like.

Are you old enough to remember 1976? Flags waving on nearly every house, red, white, and blue everywhere you looked, even a car painted like the American flag. Towns glowed with love for our country. Let’s bring that magic back for our littles — so they can grow up knowing what it feels like to celebrate America with joy and unity.

This is our call to action:

If you live in Geneseo, Atkinson, or the surrounding area, if you own a home, rent a house, run a business, have a farm field, or have a front yard — decorate it!

• Hang the Stars and Stripes

• Put out red, white, and blue lights, banners, bows, and flowers

• Get creative — bunting, yard signs, window decals, even a festive mailbox!

• Bonus points if you go all out as our neighbors did in ’76

We want our kids driving through town on the 4th to say, “Wow… look at all the flags!” Let’s fill Geneseo with color, pride, and patriotism so strong they’ll remember it for the rest of their lives.

We may not have official decorating contests or big events from the Chamber this year, but we don’t need permission to show up for our country. This is something every single one of us can do — together.

Start decorating this weekend. Take pictures. Share them with the hashtag #Geneseo250 or #GeneseoProud. Let’s flood our town with red, white, and blue and give our children a memory worth keeping.

Let’s make Geneseo shine brighter than ever this Independence Day.

God Bless America — and God Bless Geneseo!

- Brandy Stockton

Geneseo Exploring Potential Trap-Neuter-Return Program as Officials Evaluate Feral Cat Population Concerns

by Sarah DeMaranville

Feral cats have become a growing topic of discussion in Geneseo, where residents, city officials, animal welfare advocates, and property owners are grappling with a complicated question: How should the community manage a population of free-roaming cats that many agree exists, but few agree on how to address?

The City of Geneseo and the Geneseo Police Department recently confirmed that conversations are underway with Henry County and the Humane Society regarding possible long-term solutions.

"The City of Geneseo and the Geneseo Police Department are actively engaged in discussions with Henry County and the Humane Society to explore a sustainable, humane approach to managing the local feral cat population, including the potential implementation of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program."

While no local TNR program has been formally adopted, city officials say they are evaluating whether such a program could provide a structured approach to managing feral cat colonies within city limits.

Trap-Neuter-Return, commonly known as TNR, is a population management strategy in which feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped for identification, and returned to the area where they were found. Earlier this year, Henry County approved an ordinance allowing municipalities to establish their own TNR programs, leaving individual communities responsible for administering and funding them.

Humane Society: Volunteers and Community Support Will Be Critical

The Henry County Humane Society says it currently has approximately 30 kittens either at the shelter or in foster care and is already operating at capacity. While the organization cannot continue taking in unlimited numbers of cats, it works to have every cat that comes through its doors spayed or neutered whenever possible.

The Humane Society estimates there are at least 4 feral cat colonies within Geneseo, underscoring the scale of the issue facing the community. The organization says simply trapping cats without a long-term management strategy is unlikely to reduce the overall population because unsterilized cats continue reproducing.

The organization believes a successful Trap-Neuter-Return program would require a coordinated network of trained volunteers to safely trap, transport, and return cats while helping monitor established colonies over time. It also notes that many community members are already paying out of pocket to have stray cats spayed or neutered and caring for colonies on their own. Expanding those efforts, the Humane Society says, would be essential if Geneseo ultimately establishes a local TNR program.

Why Is the Issue So Complex?

City officials say the discussion extends well beyond the cats themselves. The issue touches on animal welfare, public health, wildlife conservation, neighborhood concerns, and property rights.

Supporters of TNR argue that sterilization provides a humane, long-term way to stabilize and gradually reduce feral cat populations. Others point to concerns about wildlife impacts, disease transmission, nuisance complaints, and the challenges that unmanaged colonies can create.

The City also cautioned that feeding feral cats without a broader management strategy can unintentionally contribute to population growth.

"While often done with the best intentions, unmanaged feeding can inadvertently worsen the situation under current conditions."

Officials noted that stray and feral cats can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, as well as diseases including rabies and feline leukemia. Property owners have also reported concerns ranging from gardens being used as litter boxes to feeding stations attracting other wildlife, including raccoons, skunks, and rodents.

The city further noted that individuals who regularly feed stray or feral cats may become the animals' caretakers and could be responsible for complying with applicable animal care ordinances. Under the county's ordinance, municipalities would continue to have authority to enforce nuisance ordinances when necessary.

What Happens Next?

At this point, Geneseo has not committed to establishing a TNR program.

City officials say they are continuing to evaluate what would be required before making that decision, including potential partnerships, available resources, and the long-term sustainability of any local program.

The city says its goal is not simply to address today's feral cat concerns, but to develop a framework that balances animal welfare, public health, wildlife protection, and the interests of residents.

"Our goal in exploring a formal TNR framework is to transition from unmanaged situations to a structured program that prioritizes public health, wildlife protection, and animal welfare."

As discussions continue, the conversation is expected to involve residents, volunteers, animal welfare organizations, and local officials. While opinions differ on the best approach, there appears to be broad agreement that unmanaged population growth is not a long-term solution. The question now is whether Geneseo has the community support and resources necessary to build a sustainable program.

Geneseo Schools New Hires, Retirements & Resignations

2026–27 Hires

• Trevor Alexander – District Technology Assistant

• Rachel Billingsly – GMS Special Education Paraprofessional

• Maya Bieneman – GMS Social Studies

• Linda Combs – GMS Food Service

• Xanthia Colter – Millikin Kindergarten

• Amy Croft – GHS Vocal Music Teacher / Choir Director

• Stephanie Denys – District Bus Monitor Sub Caller

• Tammy Durian – GMS Clerical Aide (Counseling & Study Hall/Lunch Supervision)

• Mitchell Elder – GMS Special Education Paraprofessional

• Nicole Finegan – Southwest 5th Grade

• Monica Furlong – District Homeless Liaison

• Laura Galloway – Millikin 2nd Grade

• Melanie Henderson – GMS Assistant Principal

• Austin Ioerger – GHS Counselor

• Grace Johnson – GHS English

• Samuel Kedzior – GHS Mathematics

• Brittany Kuethe – GMS 7th Grade Math

• Robert Mason Jr. – GHS Physical Education

• Rebecca McNamar – GHS Science

• Margaret Meyers – GMS Vocal Music / Choir Director

• Jennifer Milroy – GMS Food Service

• Mitch Munda – GHS Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach

• Jenna Munoz – GMS 8th Grade ELA

• Amanda Nolen – GHS Special Education Resource

• Melody Parkinson – Southwest 4th Grade

• Abigayle Pedigo – Northside Music

• Anna Poel – GMS & GHS Instrumental Music Teacher / Band Director

• Lydia Reyburn – Millikin Math Interventionist

• Jaylee Richter – Northside 4th Grade

• Sara Bertelsen – GHS Assistant Principal (internal transfer)

• Kayla Shehorn – GMS 6th Grade Math

• Stacey Wiltermood – GMS Food Service Manager

• James Mickley — GMS Football Assistant Coach

• Anna Rinker — Southwest 5th Grade

Retirements (Effective at the End of the 2025–26 School Year)

• Kathy Buysse – Geneseo High School Counselor (33 years)

• Scott Christensen – Geneseo High School Mathematics Teacher (20 years in Illinois, 8 years out of state)

• Darren Hall – Geneseo High School English Teacher (32 years in Illinois, 1 year out of state)

• Larry Johnsen Jr. – Geneseo High School Physical Education Teacher (33 years)

• Dean Johnson – Geneseo Middle School Assistant Principal (26 years)

• Stephen LaCroix – Geneseo High School Vocal Music Teacher (33 years in Illinois, 2 years out of state)

• Bob Thomas – Geneseo Middle School Physical Education Teacher (32 years)

Resignations (Effective at the End of the 2025–26 School Year)

• Sara Bertelsen – GHS Instructional Coach

• Brianna Bivens – GHS Science

• Sarah Bullock – Southwest 5th Grade

• Pamela Edwards – GHS Accompanist / Vocal

• Brooke Emmerson – GHS Assistant Principal

• Shannon Feldpausch – GMS Special Education Paraprofessional

• Lakota Frank – Northside Special Education Paraprofessional

• Shelley Gorman – GMS Student Aide

• Melanie Graff – Northside 1st Grade

• Rachel Hamilton – Millikin Math Interventionist

• Jamie Kotovsky – GMS 8th Grade / GHS Concert Instrumental

• Terrance Lacey Jr. – GHS Physical Education & Boys Basketball

• Dennis Lynch – GHS Girls Bowling Head Coach

• Elizabeth Loftus – Northside Playground Supervisor

• Jo Mapes – GMS Food Service

• Rachel Oeder – Northside 3rd Grade

• Grace Orlikowski – GMS Volleyball

• Aubree Plant – GMS ELA

• Ryan Kelly – GHS Golf

• Jenna Reschke – GHS Volleyball

• Lauren Schmidt – GMS Speech

• Dora Sheffler – Northside Food Service

• Vania VanRaalte – Millikin Special Education Paraprofessional

• Laura Vorac – GHS Volleyball

• Cassie Wales – Southwest 5th Grade

• Katherine Wohrley – GMS Mathematics

• Isabella Gibbons — Southwest Paraprofessional

• Nora Minnaert — GMS 7th Grade Science

/*Info current as of 7/3 school board agenda. All data gathered from Employment Summaries in Geneseo School Board’s Personnel Consent Agenda.

Letter to the Editor- Part 2: Fixing the USPS

My previous input on this subject demonstrated the USPS is a mess. This edition will provide a solution.

The USPS recorded a $9B loss in FY 2025 ($20.5 B over the last 3 reporting periods). This was accomplished by 600,000 employees earning $80,000 per year in wages and benefits. In order to reach a break even position, simple division yields an excess of 112,000 employees.

Employee costs represent 50% of the total operating cost. In other words, it’s the biggest hog at the trough. Switching to more fuel efficient delivery vehicles and energy efficient light bulbs would temporarily placate the climate change warriors, but do little good to the bottom line.

So, given that a break even position is desirable what steps can be taken to achieve this? Some ideas:
1. Offer employee buy outs
2. Offer early retirements
3. Consolidate middle management
4. Cancel open employee requisitions
5. Implement a reduction in force
6. Raise postal rates as a last resort

The USPS management has annually played “kick the can” with this problem. In this case it’s the taxpayer’s “can” being kicked. They are satisfied with the status quo because to actually affect a change would be politically toxic. Think of a young child trying to manage a box full of rabid squirrels and you are close.

The result of this style is all too predictable-we will be lead down the primrose path to the precipice, draconian and foolish decisions will be made, and the taxpayer will be left holding the bag. This is what the bureaucrats say they don’t want, but actually do want. I want to play guitar like Jimmy Page, own a Ferrari, and date a super model and I’m currently accepting donations. But, this won’t happen either. Wink.

Let’s solve this problem. Locally, Henry County has 50,000 residents, is an area of 826 square miles and has 14 post offices. Deliveries are made to 20,000 residential address and 1,100 businesses. The shape of Henry County is roughly a square. I suggest the number of post offices need to be reduced to an efficient level. Looking at a map suggests Geneseo, Colona, Kewanee and Cambridge geographically and population wise make sense. This leaves 10 other existing post offices as excess to requirements. The offices themselves could be sold/repurposed, delivery vehicles transferred to other jurisdictions, and result in a net reduction in personnel.

So this action combined with the previously listed steps would be a meaningful reduction. Implemented on a regional or national scale would further help matters.

The USPS at its peril has been slow to adopt technology based solutions. Another factor is to AI model this problem and have the computer brainiacs in D.C. develop algorithms. We don’t need another AMTRAK, or Social Security situation! I detest it when politicians, policy wonks, consultants and lawyers pretend they are behaving with your best interest at heart. It rarely works out. Good leadership involves critical thinking, tough decisions and sacrifices.

My third and final submission on this subject will outline pithy and non-satisfying experiences with the Geneseo Post Office. Stay tuned.

- Donald Crawford

Five Years of State Report Cards Show Geneseo Schools Recovering From Post-Pandemic Declines

By Sarah DeMaranville

A review of five years of Illinois School Report Card data shows Geneseo CUSD 228 has largely recovered from significant academic declines that followed the COVID-19 pandemic, with the district posting some of its strongest academic results in recent years.

The Illinois State Board of Education releases annual report cards for every school district in the state, measuring student achievement, graduation rates, attendance, funding adequacy, and other key indicators.

While a single year's report can provide a snapshot, examining five years of data reveals a broader story: strong pre-pandemic performance, a sharp decline in achievement, and a substantial rebound.

Academic Performance Rebounds

Districtwide English Language Arts proficiency remained relatively steady in 2020-21 and 2021-22, with approximately 49% of students meeting or exceeding state standards. Math performance was similarly strong, hovering around 50% proficiency.

Then came a dramatic drop. In 2022-23, English Language Arts proficiency fell to 34.9%, while math proficiency dropped to 26.9%. The following year showed little improvement, with math proficiency slipping further to 25.0%.

The most recent report card, however, showed a significant turnaround. For the 2024-25 school year, English Language Arts proficiency climbed to 58.1%, while math proficiency rose to 45.8%.

Although changes in state reporting methodologies make direct year-to-year comparisons imperfect, the overall trend suggests students have regained much of the ground lost during the years immediately following the pandemic.

Attendance Remains a Challenge

One metric that mirrors the academic trends is chronic absenteeism.

In 2020-21, the district reported chronic absenteeism at 4.0%. That figure rose to 9.8% in 2021-22 and peaked at 13.4% in 2022-23.

The district has since improved, reporting 10.8% chronic absenteeism in 2023-24 and 11.4% in 2024-25.

While attendance has improved from its peak absenteeism levels, it remains notably higher than pre-pandemic figures.

Educational research consistently identifies attendance as one of the strongest predictors of student success, making it an area district leaders will likely continue to monitor.

Graduation Rates Remain Strong

One area where Geneseo has consistently excelled is high school graduation.

The district's graduation rate has remained near 98% in recent years, including a 97.9% graduation rate in the latest report card.

That means nearly all students entering Geneseo High School are successfully completing their education and earning a diploma.

The district also continues to outperform state averages in measures tied to long-term student success. The most recent report card showed a 98% Ninth Grade On Track rate, compared to the statewide average of 89%. The metric measures whether freshmen are meeting academic and attendance benchmarks that put them on pace to graduate.

Reading Continues to Outpace Math

A recurring trend throughout the report cards is stronger performance in reading than mathematics.

In the most recent report card:

• 58.1% of students met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts.

• 45.8% met or exceeded standards in mathematics.

The gap is consistent with statewide trends, where districts across Illinois continue to work to rebuild math achievement following pandemic-related disruptions. Still, district leaders pointed to significant progress in mathematics. The percentage of Geneseo eighth graders passing Algebra I increased from 46% to 59% in the latest report card, compared to a statewide average of 31%.

Three Schools Earn Exemplary Status

The district's academic progress was reflected in school-level designations released by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Geneseo High School, Millikin Elementary, and Northside Elementary each earned Exemplary status for 2024-25, placing them among the top 10% of public schools in Illinois.

Geneseo Middle School and Southwest Elementary received Commendable status, the state's second-highest designation.

"We are incredibly proud of our students, staff and families for the hard work that takes place every day in all of our buildings," Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado said when the report card results were released. "That three of our schools earned Exemplary status is a reflection of the commitment our entire community makes to support education and foster an ongoing culture of excellence."

School Board President Kane Causemaker also praised the results, noting that the report card findings reflected the district's culture of achievement and support for students.

District Credits Strategic Efforts for Improvement

Delgado said the district's recent gains reflect years of focused work following the pandemic.

"As you can imagine, much goes into understanding and interpreting the School Report Cards," Delgado said. "We are very proud of our statistics."

According to Delgado, multiple initiatives contributed to the district's improvement, including a renewed focus on high-quality instructional practices, support from instructional coaches and interventionists, and the continued use of Professional Learning Communities to align teaching practices and learning standards.

"These supports remain in place and are embedded in the core of our Strategic Plan," Delgado said. "We are confident that the district will continue to grow as we focus our efforts on the three pillars of our plan."

Delgado said the district's improvement in mathematics is particularly encouraging.

"The increase in our math scores is very encouraging, as it validates the efforts of our Professional Learning Communities, collaborative leadership teams, coaches, and math interventionists," she said.

A Story of Recovery

Viewed together, the five years of report cards tell a story that will sound familiar to many educators and families.

Geneseo entered the pandemic era with strong academic performance. Student achievement then declined sharply during the years that followed, particularly in mathematics.

The most recent report card suggests students have made significant progress in recovering those losses. The district's gains were accompanied by state recognition for three schools that earned Exemplary status, placing them among the top-performing schools in Illinois.

Challenges remain, particularly in attendance and math achievement, but the overall direction of the data points upward.

The next Illinois School Report Card, expected to be released in late October, will help determine whether the gains seen in 2024-25 represent a lasting trend or the continuation of a broader post-pandemic recovery.

Visit illinoisreportcard.com for more details.

Geneseo City Council Advances Ford Road Infrastructure Project, Promotes Police Sergeant

The Geneseo City Council's Committee of the Whole and subsequent special meeting on June 23 included the promotion of a police officer, approval of cemetery regulation updates, and action on infrastructure improvements tied to the Ford Road development project.

Police Sergeant Promotion

Officer Elliott Vermeire was formally sworn in as a police sergeant during the meeting. Police Chief Casey Disterhoft praised Vermeire’s more than 10 years of service, describing him as a dedicated officer, family man, and community member.

Cemetery Updates Approved

Council members unanimously recommended approval of revisions to Oakwood Cemetery's rules and regulations. The changes incorporate newly developed Sections 34 through 37 and establish monument guidelines consistent with surrounding cemetery sections.

Ford Road Development Moves Forward

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin reported that the city recently finalized a development agreement with J.F. Edwards Construction Company for the Ford Road project following multiple public meetings, ordinances, and agreements related to annexation and TIF creation.

To keep the project on schedule, council members approved the purchase of lift station components from Electric Pump at a cost of $126,395. City officials said the specialized equipment has an estimated lead time of two to three months and is needed for infrastructure work planned later this year.

The purchase was first recommended by the Committee of the Whole and later unanimously approved at a special City Council meeting held immediately afterward.

Music Festival Praised

Several council members commented on the success of the Geneseo Music Festival, noting strong attendance on Saturday despite weather challenges on Sunday and competition from the Henry County Fair. Council members reported that vendors and food trucks experienced solid activity throughout the weekend.

Other Business

During public comment, a resident raised concerns about flowers and flower holders reportedly being removed from graves at Oakwood and North Cemetery. City officials encouraged the resident to report the incidents to the police department for further review.

The meeting concluded after approval of city and utility bills and a brief discussion regarding ongoing water tower work.

VIDEO: The 2026 Geneseo Music Fest

Brought to you by: The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce