MENDOTA – With more than 75 Mendota High School students at home last week – either quarantined, symptomatic or suspended – on the days semester exams were originally scheduled, changes in the use of semester exams in determining grades were explained during the District 280 Board of Education regular meeting on Dec. 20.

Principal Denise Aughenbaugh noted that in addition to the 75 students out of the classroom last week, there had been hundreds of students cycling in and out of quarantines. “We were hopeful that we could run a regular final exam schedule, but we have approximately 15 percent of our students at home this week. Scheduling exams and sending online exams is just not in the best interest of students,” she said.

The administration and faculty agreed to waive the 15 percent cumulative final fall exams this year because of the attendance constraints. Aughenbaugh said students could still be expected to take a mastery test in classes, but it will not impact their overall cumulative grade by 15 percent. Students were already offered the opportunity to earn final exam exemptions and a teacher institute day was held on Dec. 20 so some students could meet with teachers, either in-person or remotely, to finalize missing assignments and take advantage of remediation opportunities.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Aughenbaugh presented information on the shortage of school principals in Illinois, which was published in the November 2021 Illinois Principals Association report on “Effective and Sustained Principals for Every Illinois Community.” With the high school to begin the search for a new principal by the July 1, 2023 timeline, she said it is important to know the current state of candidates.

First, she said the report indicates there is a significant decline in new principals. Between 2011 and 2020, individuals completing their principal requirements declined over 75 percent. The conclusion of the report states that the rate of principal attrition is at a “crisis” level.

“Our district, like many others, will need to make a strong effort to invest in both current and future school leaders. Effective leadership is very important to the success of a school,” Aughenbaugh added.

DAR and SAR Awards

Aughenbaugh recognized this year’s Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution award winners. Alex Stremlau, daughter of Nick and Tracie Stremlau, is the DAR recipient. Andrew Stamberger, son of Jayson and Rebecca Stamberger, is the Sons of the American Revolution recipient. Students are selected by votes of senior students and faculty based upon service, dependability, leadership and patriotism.

Updated Calendar

Dec. 20-31 - Winter break (if all work is completed)

Jan. 3 - Teacher Institute

Jan. 17 - Regular day of student attendance

May 20 - Last day of school (earliest possible)

May 23-27 - Emergency days

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

The tax rate was approved by the board following a Truth in Taxation Hearing. Superintendent Jeff Prusator said there were no changes in the numbers since last month so the tax rate will either be flat or go down.

The 2022-23 school calendar was approved by the board. The school year will start earlier next fall with teachers having an institute Aug. 8 and 9 and students returning Aug. 10 and 11. There will be no school on Aug. 12 for the Sweet Corn Festival. Prusator said the high school returned to a regular schedule this year but that was disrupted this month because of the large number of students in quarantine due to COVID.

“I expect the pandemic to still be with us next year and we will go through this all over again. The numbers will go down over the summer and then after the holidays with everyone indoors, they will go back up,” he explained. “So, we’re taking a long break again at Christmas but starting a few days earlier so exams can be given and days do not have to be added somewhere else.”

The board passed a resolution to abate the Alternate Revenue Bond for the stadium payment. Next year, the final payment will be made and the stadium will be paid in full. Prusator said the money came from TIF and is to be used for capital improvements, so this was a perfect project to spend those funds on because it will benefit students and the community for years to come.

Board president Jim Lauer pointed out that this was another promise the board made and fulfilled.

The health insurance renewal was approved with only a 1 percent increase. Prusator said in 17 years, this was the second lowest increase the high school has had for health insurance.

OTHER BUSINESS

Athletic Director Steve Hanson reported on the fall sports season, which he felt went very well. “There was some success on the field, kids were able to go to all their meets, which was good for the students, and we were also able to host various tournaments,” he said.

Hanson also discussed survey results completed by student athletes.

The board approved the updated 2021-22 school calendar.

The next regular board of education meeting will be held at the high school on Monday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.