MENDOTA – Work totaling just over $1.1 million will begin at Mendota High School this summer. During their March 18 meeting, the District 280 Board of Education approved a contract for that amount with Energy Savings Group as well as a down payment of $290,000 toward the work. Superintendent Jeff Prusator said the Building Committee has been working on the deal since September and has met several times with ESG representative Scott Engstrom.

The contracted work includes chiller replacement and chilled water system modification, repair to heat recovery wheels, upgrades to exterior lighting, and replacing/updating the controls for the HVAC system. Prusator noted that the work will be paid for with TIF funds.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Board policy changes were approved. The updated policies include items regarding board committees, professional development and student discipline. Prusator said the Regional Office of Education recommends that the policies be reviewed and updated every two years.

A tentative 2019-2020 school calendar was presented by Prusator, who noted that the General Assembly has not yet finalized the change in the five-hour school day. “We have parent/teacher conferences and some other things to work through before we approve this,” he said.

Tentatively, a teacher institute will be held Aug. 14-15, and the first day for students will be Friday, Aug. 16. “If we had a crazy year where we didn’t have any snow days, the last day of school would be May 19, 2020 and graduation would be on Saturday, May 16,” Prusator said.

The school calendar will be brought back to the board next month for official approval.

A change in next month’s meeting date was approved by the board. Prusator explained that the canvassed votes from the April 2 election have to be back to the school district no later than April 23 and the board has to be reorganized by April 30. The meeting will now take place on Tuesday, April 23.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Principal Denise Aughenbaugh commended 78 MHS students who took part in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble competition this year and recognized the high school’s four Best of the Day awards. They included Kole Buckley, vocal solo; Cole Pursell, alto sax solo; bass ensemble, “Think On Me”; and madrigal, “Jubilate Deo.” “The kids did a wonderful job preparing for that,” she said.

The board approved 18 early graduation requests. Aughenbaugh said she meets with each of the students and their parents to discuss their request. To be recommended for early graduation, students must demonstrate a need, such as starting college full-time in January 2020; military sign-up; and family or medical concerns.

Prusator noted that students who are approved for early graduation can change their minds and still attend school for their full senior year, and Aughenbaugh said she always emphasizes that with the parents. “They can always change their minds and we’ll work up a second semester schedule,” she said.

Aughenbaugh thanked the board and the National Honor Society for their support in co-hosting the 60th Annual Academic Honors Assembly, which was scheduled for March 20. This event recognizes students for earning 1, 3, 5, or 7 semesters of honor roll. “It’s a great tradition and we’re very thankful that the board continues to invest in it,” she said. “It’s quite an honor for the students.”

Aughenbaugh thanked Mr. Artman, Mr. Holzman, Mr. Straughn, Mr. Wohrley, and Miss Shanel for teaching the SAT prep classes that are currently underway.

OTHER BUSINESS

Board president Jim Lauer presented a plaque to board member David May, thanking him for a decade of service on the board. “We’re very appreciative of your calm demeanor regardless of the turmoil,” Lauer said.

Prusator said he has been particularly impressed with May’s consistent attendance. “In the 11 years since you were appointed to fill a term in 2008, you’ve missed only two or three meetings, not very many,” he noted. “You’ve been very dedicated and we appreciate you giving your time and being here.”

May, who is not running for re-election, said his time on the board has been interesting. “The pay’s not very good but I’ve enjoyed my time here,” he laughed. “I would really recommend that other people consider doing this. It’s a very worthwhile thing.”

Prusator said as of March 30, MHS will be two payments behind in transportation. When asked why the state is continually behind in transportation payments, Prusator said he thinks it is easier for them to withhold transportation because students have to be transported to school. If money is short in the other funds, schools can cut back in various ways. “But we have to get kids to and from school, there’s not a whole lot we can do, we have to continue to borrow money,” he said.

Lauer commented, “Worst case scenario, parents would have to carpool the kids.”

The board approved IHSA membership renewal for 2019-2020. Prusator said there is no cost for this membership.

PERSONNEL

Following closed session, the board rehired non-tenured teachers, Melissa Sallee, Keegan Hill, Robert Nunn, and Ashley Shanel, and also rehired non-certified staff for next year.

They appointed volunteer coaches, Tim Stafeldt, track; Chance Blumhorst and Robert Nunn, baseball; John McDowell, Steve Gibertini and Larry Klema, softball; and Mike DeLong, tennis.

The resignation of Adrian Espinoza-Zamora as student council sponsor was accepted and Kelli Hochstatter was hired as the new student council sponsor.

The next regular board of education meeting and board reorganization will be held at the high school on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m.