MENDOTA – Before presenting his budget for the coming year at the Aug. 22 board of education meeting, Mendota High School Superintendent Jeff Prusator reviewed last year’s budget numbers. Although the FY17 final budget showed a deficit of about $90,000, Prusator was not too concerned. “Considering the state of the state, that isn’t bad,” he told the board.

The main area of concern, the Education Fund, had a deficit of $256,166 but Prusator explained that proactive steps were taken last spring when the board chose to not replace three certified teachers. “I think that was a positive move for the district,” he said. “It puts us in a position to continue with what we’re doing and not have any more cuts.”

Prusator also noted that the high school was short about $100,000 in categorical payments from the state, so the Education Fund was actually $156,000 in the red.

Although the Building Fund showed a surplus of $105,540, Prusator cautioned the board to not be misled, reminding them that a few years ago, working cash bonds were issued in anticipation of a property tax freeze. “Our working cash was maxed out, so we transferred the $105,000 to O&M, per the auditors recommendation,” he said. “Actually, the O&M broke even.”

The only other fund in the red was Transportation but Prusator noted that if the high school got even half of what was owed from the state, that fund would also break even. “It would be interesting to see where we’re at if we ever got our state funding on time,” he commented.

Historically, the high school board has long asked for a budget that is a “best guess” rather than one that presents a worst-case scenario. In FY17, Prusator said they budgeted revenue of $10,215,585 and received $10,221,276 - a difference of only $5,688. “I’m not sure we can get much closer than that,” he remarked.

In expenditures, they budgeted $10,665,024 and received $10,307,143 - a difference of $357,880. Prusator explained that the hardest thing to budget is the cost of gas and electric because the weather is so unpredictable. With mild winter and summer temperatures last year, costs were down.

As for transportation, Prusator said six years ago when fuel prices shot up much higher than expected, the district was caught short. “So now we probably overestimate that expense,” he admitted. “I just hope the budget we present tonight can be somewhat as close as this year.”

Tentative FY18 budget

Looking at the budget for the coming year, Prusator said this was the first time in 14 years as superintendent that the bottom line in the Education Fund is green instead of red. Overall, the FY18 budget has a surplus of $48,467, which he said in a $10 million budget is pretty much break even.

Prusator emphasized that on Aug. 23 there will be a huge vote in Springfield. If the house votes to override the governor’s amendatory veto of Senate Bill 1, schools will finally receive some money. Prusator said he was remaining optimistic for the override to happen, which will mean an additional $151,000 in state aid.

The tentative budget will be on display for 30 days. A budget hearing will take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20.

OTHER BUSINESS

The board approved the purchase of two school busses, both with less than 10,000 miles. The total cost with trade ins will be $130,000.

Approval was granted to continue discussions with District 289 and Holy Cross School to offer 9^th grade Algebra I to 8^th graders starting next fall. Prusator said both schools are receptive to the idea but the logistics of such a program are still being discussed.

Approval was also granted to continue talks with District 289 for development of a summer school program for incoming 9^th graders who are at risk in math.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

New staff members, Steve Hanson, Mindy Martin and Melissa Sallee were introduced to the board by Principal Denise Aughenbaugh. Two other new staff members, Tyler DeBrock and Michaela Delong, were unable to attend the meeting.

Hanson, an alumnus of MHS, will serve as dean of freshman students and athletic director and will also coach the varsity boys basketball team. Hanson was formerly employed by Serena High School and Coal City High School.

Martin, a graduate of Western Illinois University and member of the WIU softball team, will teach P.E./Fitness For Life and coach volleyball. She was formerly employed by Laraway School District and J. Sterling Morton West High School.

Sallee is joining the Family and Consumer Science Department at MHS. She graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in Family and Consumer Science and also graduated from Western Illinois University with a Masters of Education in Counseling. Her most recent teaching experience was in the Galesburg School District.

DeBrock, a 2017 graduate of St. Ambrose University and a member of the St. Ambrose football team, is a P.E./health instructor and football coach at MHS.

Delong, an alumna of Mendota High School and 2017 graduate of Judson University, will work with Ms. Cervantes in the Media Center this year.

Aughenbaugh recognized MHS students Jocelyn Luna, Aylin Arellano and Diego Camarillo, who earned the State Seal of Biliteracy, and Cameron Phalen, who received the State Commendation toward Biliteracy for the 2016-17 school year. Attending the meeting to receive her certificate was Jocelyn Luna, daughter of Sergio and Maria Luna. Aughenbaugh congratulated Luna, who earned the highest distinguished honor. (See the full story on page A3.)

Aughenbaugh said Freshman Orientation Night on Aug. 14 was well attended with more than 300 students and parents taking part. Currently there are 568 students enrolled at MHS, 156 freshmen, 134 sophomores, 144 juniors, 123 seniors and 11 super seniors/non-graduates. However, Aughenbaugh noted that the enrollment number fluctuates constantly early in the school year.

With the new Chromebook rollout now complete, Aughenbaugh thanked Scott Siri and other staff members who helped with this “very time consuming” task.

PERSONNEL

The board accepted the resignation of Shawn LeRette as Scholastic Bowl coach. LeRette was then approved as assistant boys tennis coach and Kevin Wohrley was hired as cross country coach.

The board also granted Heath Raley a four-week family medical leave.

A budget hearing will be held during the next regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. (The meeting was changed from its regular date to accommodate a 30-day display of the tentative budget.)