Collinsville Schools prepare for the 2025-26 school year
By Devese “Dee” Ursery
Collinsville school staff is finishing its summer clean up of facilities and approved several items plus recognized student/athletes from the middle school’s track team for their accomplishments.
During the meeting, several members of the Collinsville Middle School Track and Field team were honored for placing in the top four at the Illinois Elementary School Association State Track Meet in May.
Rashya Horne, seventh grade, won first place for the 100m dash; Kywun Dobbins, eighth grade, garnered third place for the 110m hurdles; Jayden Schultze, eighth grade, also placed third in the pole vault; and Jase Chavarria, eighth grade, placed fourth in the pole vault.
In addition, the eighth grade boys’ track team finished 10th out of 53 teams.
According to Superintendent Dr. Brad Skertich, the district is just about complete with projects, performing maintenance and cleaning facilities to ensure everything is ready for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
“Summer cleaning includes, deep cleaning rooms, waxing floors, touch-up paint, routine maintenance and various internal projects completed by our maintenance staff,” Skertich said.
“Our central office staff and custodial and maintenance crew work very hard behind the scenes to prepare for when staff and students return. Absent of their planning, preparation and work ethic, the district would not be ready to start the school year. We are grateful for all their hard work.”
There are several district facilities projects that will be completed before the start of the upcoming school year. At Collinsville High School, these include a new track surface, improvements to the long jump pits and adding paint touch-ups.
The CNA room, located in the CAVC and sponsored by Anderson Hospital, is receiving a well-deserved facelift. Upgrades include new lighting, ceiling pads, flooring, trim, sinks and an interior door. The upgrades of the CNA room cost close to $50,000.
Both Webster and Renfro elementary schools are undergoing significant heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) upgrades this summer. The project is on track, with the initial system startup scheduled on or before Aug. 1 and will be completed by Aug.11. In addition, identified doors at Dorris Intermediate and Webster are being replaced, which will enhance security and improve the appearance of both facilities.
Painting is a summer staple, and this year is no different – CHS, Twin Echo, Webster, Dorris and CMS all have areas wearing fresh coats of paint. The Fletcher Gym is also getting a lighting upgrade, transitioning to energy-efficient LED fixtures.
Also during the meeting, hall of fame nominations will close on Sept. 1. The Class of 2026 will be announced in December and an induction ceremony will be held on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Gateway Convention Center to honor the inductees.
Nomination forms can be found by clicking this link, downloading the PDF, completing the form and emailing it to [email protected].
“The Hall of Fame Committee is working hard in preparation for this year’s celebration and is excited to recognize the Class of 2026 alongside our students, staff, community and alumni,” Skertich said.
Online registration begins July 7, at 6 p.m. CHS students must attend their assigned materials pick-up date for the Kahok Kickstart on either July 22 or 23 from noon to 6 p.m.
Centralized Registration Assistance will be available on July 22 from 3–5 p.m. in the fine arts/auxiliary gym. Kindergarten through eighth grade class lists, student schedules and transportation information will be available to families on Aug. 6.
The district encouraged families to be on the lookout for open houses and “move-in dates” in the weeks ahead for each school scheduled between Aug. 11 and Aug. 13.
The next regular board of education meeting will take place July 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the administrative annex, 123 West Clay Street
