Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, April 5, 1990 -- Elmore's Retirement Marks 38 Years in Education -- Describing himself as not overly sentimental, retiring Staunton High School Principal Gil Elmore says his 38-year career has given him "a lot of headaches, and a lot of fun."

He noted a number of significant changes in society over the years which affected education such as the information explosion, changes in the American family, and increased record keeping demands.

Elmore said early in his career he was "a teacher and a coach, having a good time. Being a principal was not a goal." He said he never did quite decide what he wanted to be when he grew up. And he certainly gave little thought to retirement.

Elmore taught in Spring Valley from 1956 to 1966. On the last day of school in 1966, with no idea of what he would do next, he handed in his resignation as junior high teacher and coach.

It was then he decided to become a principal. Elmore began his 24-year career in Staunton during the "baby boom." There were 640 enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade then. Today that number is smaller.

In 1972 Elmore became high school principal where there were more activities and different problems. He is very aware of the principal's role of interpreter. "I became much more aware of policy and able to relate that to teachers and students."

Elmore took time before and after school and at lunch to mingle with the students. For example, out of one period of 177 school days he also spent 140 evenings in school related activities. His school day lasted from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and many times he was back at school at 5:30 until 9 or 10 p.m.

Elmore is aware of the pressures placed on the educational system by the increase in information and what a struggle it is to keep the system up-to-date. He believes Staunton's strong point is its faculty. "When I began there was no Sputnik, missiles, computers, or VCRs," he said. He recognizes that while society has moved into the technological age, education, in some cases, is still operating like it did during the agrarian age. When most of America lived on farms, the nine month school year made sense. "I'm not sure I don't like the 45/15 system."

In that system a school would operate year round: nine weeks open, three weeks off. He explained it would be similar to a university quarter system.

Even with unlimited resources, Elmore would not say what totally individualized instruction was the ideal educational plan. He discussed the value of children working in groups. "Even in the business world, you find few Franklins, Edisons or Curies. There is something to be said for the cooperative approach to education."

Elmore anticipates his last day at Staunton High to be June 22. The school board has indicated they want to have a replacement hired by May 1," he said. There are a few things he wants to do during his retirement, with golf being at the top of his list. There are a number of places to visit or revisit. "But I don't have much desire to travel overseas; there is plenty to see in this country," he said. He said he and his wife Barb will stay in Staunton. "That's where our friends are, where our kids graduated."

By Sherry Anschutz Rondi

Mayor Cautions Council On Appropriations -- Mayor Fred Brauer cautioned the Staunton City Council, which is preparing the budget for fiscal year 1990-91, about depending on the State of Illinois state income surtax.

He said many communities are using the surtax to operate their general fund. "Fortunately we are in a position that we don't have to do that ... We were to receive "x" amount of dollars and are probably receiving only 60% of that," he said.

In July 1989 state income taxes were increased with a surtax that was to last for no more than two years. Cities are to receive a portion of this money. "Let's not get the idea that we have extra money to burn and then it's not there," Brauer told the council. Generally the council passes a proposed budget by May 1 of each year. Committees of council members establish appropriations for departments from anticipated expenses and income. Brauer told the council, "Appropriation time is nearing, and the surcharge can be cut off at any time." Brauer urged the council to follow state legislative activity closely because the surtax "is going to be a political football. Follow it closely."

Thursday, April 19, 1990 -- Named High School Principal -- Jack Milam has been named to the position of Staunton High School principal. He will replace Gil Elmore who will retire at the end of this school term.

Mr. Milam was selected following a day of interviewing candidates by the Staunton Board of Education on Monday, April 16.

He earned his bachelor's degree at Western Illinois in Macomb. He has been the high school principal at Dunlap High School since 1982. Dunlap is a school of approximately 450 students near Peoria. Mr. Milam has previously served at other high schools as Dean of Students and was a teacher coach. Most of his extensive experience in the education field was gained in the Peoria area.

Mr. Milam is married, 52 years old, and looking forward to moving to Staunton to become a member of our community.

Thursday, April 26, 1990 -- Trees planted Saturday at ball parks -- Over 30 trees, many from the Adopt-A-Tree program, were planted Saturday at the City League Complex by the Staunton Area Recyclers in cooperation with the City Park Board. More than a dozen volunteers planted a selection of trees ranging in size from five feet tall to seedlings.

Varieties planted were white pine, red bud, pin oak, red maple, Bradford pear and Washington Hawthorn.

Dedicated on Earth Day, the trees were planted around the flag pole, near the concession stand, tennis courts, water fountain at the Little League and softball fields.

Protected by wooden stakes and yellow bands, the trees will be maintained by city employees.

The organizations responsible for the plantings request that anyone using the park take special care during the trees' crucial early growth period. When mature, the trees will provide shade and beauty for the enjoyment of all city residents, but to reach maturity, the trees need time and care.