Lake County Gazette

On July 9, the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education dedicated a bench in memory of Mary Gill, a long-serving board secretary who passed away in August 2024. Mary Gill was elected to the Board of Education in November 1997 and served for 27 years, with 24 years as Board Secretary, marking the longest tenure in the district's history.

The bench is located in front of the District Administration Center and can be seen from the Board Room. Coal City School Superintendent Chris Spencer remarked on her contributions: “Mary’s dedication, passion and service impacted not only our school community, but the community at large. This bench stands as a long-lasting tribute to Mary’s unwavering commitment to our students, teachers, staff, schools, families and communities.”

During her time on the board, Mary Gill was involved in several district projects including the middle school referendum, construction of the Early Childhood Center, high school addition, and new administration center. She also secured private funding for renovations at Coal City High School Learning Resource Center.

Superintendent Spencer further expressed hope that "this bench serves as a long-lasting tribute to Mary's legacy and to help remind everyone of her dedication, passion and most importantly the spirit of service that Mary embodied."

Mary's family members attended the dedication ceremony.