MENDOTA – Mendota School District 289 held a regularly scheduled board of education meeting on Oct. 24.

Board members were presented with a clean annual audit report.

The board approved the purchase of a new mower with snow blower attachment for $16,630 with a $4,500 trade in of the current mower from Schmidt's Sales & Service in Troy Grove.

Finally, the board listened to several community members in support of the of teachers and wanting the negotiations to be quickly resolved.

The Mendota Elementary School District Board of Education and the Mendota Elementary Teachers Association met again on Oct. 25 and announced that a tentative agreement had been reached. The MEA overwhelmingly ratified the tentative agreement.

A joint press statement was released on Oct. 26. "This has been a difficult situation for all involved and it is our hope and commitment that we work together in the future to provide the best education for our students and help our community heal. We are all looking forward to seeing students back in school on Monday. Thank you for your support."

School was back in session for teachers and students on Monday, Oct. 28.

The Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the District 289 Education Center to vote on the contract.

Other action items for the evening will be to amend the 2019-2020 school calendar, and approve non-certified staff hourly rates and administration compensation.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.