MENDOTA – Standards-based grading informational meetings are being planned for August and September prior to the regularly scheduled board meetings. The meetings will be held in the district education center at 5:30 p.m. with the monthly board meetings to follow. “The purpose will be to inform parents and answer any questions they may have,” stated Kristen School, district superintendent at the June 15 regular meeting.

The board approved the updated grading system at the May meeting after parents complained about the format last year.

In other news, the state currently owes the district over $660,000. An end of the year financial summary shows the district $213,000 in the red. Not knowing exactly how much money the district with receive from the state, School stated, “I am not sure where to go with budgeting for next year. I am usually conservative, but I am going to be extremely conservative.”

The board then approved 2.6 percent salary increases for Stacy Kelly, Blackstone School principal; Vicki Johnson, Lincoln School principal; Paula Daley, Northbrook School principal; Beth Wackerlin, district curriculum director; and Jessica Kreiser, as district special services director with a $5,000 stipend to serve as Northbrook School associate principal.

In other news:

The recent sale of $2 million in working cash bonds will be finalized on June 30. The board approved the abatement of $1,315,000 in working cash, placing $1 million in the education fund and $315,000 in the transportation fund to make room for the new funds. The remaining funds from the sale will be available to the district, if needed.

David Pistorius of First Midstate reminded the board that by restructuring the existing bonds, the district does not have to raise taxes.

The board accepted the resignation of Cammie Henkel, first grade teacher, and hired Mary Kieffer, elementary music teacher; Kathryn Hake, 8th grade language arts teacher; Scott Blessman, Lincoln School physical education teacher; and Kristine Wujek, first grade teacher.

Board members also reflected on the results of the consolidation feasibility study. A public meeting was held June 5 at the Mendota High School where consultants from Midwest School Consultants stated they would not recommend the consolidation between District 289 and District 280.

“I was a little taken aback by the public’s questions about not going with the study recommendations,” said board member, Theresa Komitas.

The 241 page document is on the District 289 website for anyone interested in reading the report.

The board may meet on July 20 to approve new hires, if needed, otherwise they will meet next on Aug. 17.