MENDOTA – Members of the Mendota District 289 Board of Education held a short meeting on Jan. 18. The resolution for issuing General Obligation Refunding Bonds that was tabled last month was brought forth again. David Pistorius of First Midstate noted that the former interest rates on the 2008 bonds were at 3.45-3.85 percent. With current rates at 2.48 percent, bond restructuring will save the taxpayers $93,500. “It was a good rate to lock in,” commented Pistorius.

The board initiated the process last November knowing that there needed to be at least a $60,000 savings before the bonds could be sold, but were anticipating the larger amount received due to the current favorable interest rates.

Superintendent Kristen School noted that the state has fully paid 2016-2017, but currently has over $435,000 outstanding for this year.

The 2018-2019 calendar is currently being set. Student attendance will begin Aug. 23. Winter break is slated for Dec. 22-Jan. 4, 2019, and spring break is set for April 15-22, 2019. Superintendent Kristen School also commented that she has been working with the high school to schedule parent/teacher conferences to better accommodate parents’ schedules. “We are trying really hard to align with the high school,” she said.

The board also approved first reading IASB (Illinois Association of School Boards) policy updates, FMLA leave request for Kristi Barajas, and a leave and retirement request for Connie Dickison effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.

The next regular meeting of the board will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the District 289 Education Center.