MENDOTA – The Mendota Elementary School District Board of Education met on July 18 at the District 289 Education Center. Summer projects were discussed and approved including the status of the district's track and approval of installation of new carpet.

The track on Stroble Avenue has now been resurfaced, top coat sprayed, and ready for a sub-contractor to paint stripes.

Donations for the track can be sent to the district, marked "Friends of the Track." A committee is also working on commemorative bricks for purchase and display.

The board approved the purchase and installation of carpet tiles for eight classrooms and office areas in the 5^th grade wing at Northbrook by Szotts Carpet and Flooring in Peru. The tiles will replace 330 square yards of torn and worn out carpet.

School recommended the carpet tiles because of the large areas to cover that would expose seams and moveable walls that would interfere with regular carpet. Sean Pappas, board president did not think putting the project out to bid would save the district any significant money. Projects under $25,000 are not required to seek bids. The project will cost $10,595.

Also, two stand up air conditioners at Northbrook were replaced by Walter Bros. of Mendota.

School acknowledged the summer custodial staff for their hard work and the teachers who volunteered to paint the teachers' lounge at Northbrook.

She also noted that the district's Preschool For All program received a Gold Circle Quality rating. It marks the top rating designation. The rating means that the program meets or exceeds all benchmarks.

School provided an overview of the budget from FY19 showing the district ending the year $741,336 in the black. This was due to: State paid revenue on time, LEASE payments to other agencies not utilized (not as many students in outside placements), O & M monies budgeted but not spent on projects or needed for repairs, and three certified staff, three non-certified staff, and a nurse that were budgeted for but not hired. Several certified positions were filled by substitutes resulting in an insurance savings, too. "The teacher shortage is having impacts everywhere, but it was certainly very noticeable in our financial outlook," stated School.

Also, approximately $400,000 in revenue was received from LEASE restructuring before the end of the fiscal year, however those funds will be expended this year.

New employment approved by the board included Wilson Wright as 8^th grade math teacher, Antoinette Calhan as 5^th grade teacher, and Deborah Lengsfeld as developmental pre-k paraprofessional.

The board also accepted the resignation of Samantha Cirino, as 5^th grade teacher at Northbrook effective immediately.

The district is still in need of a Life Skills teacher at Northbrook and a Special Education Resource teacher at Lincoln.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the District 289 Education Center. Meetings are open to the public.