MENDOTA – The aging process has already set in at Mendota High School. At the ripe old age of 15, a list of items that will need upgrades and/or would make the high school building more energy efficient was presented during the April 16 board of education meeting.

Superintendent Jeff Prusator said an assessment was done by a performance contracting company in February, and this month the high school received a list of items to consider. “The frustrating thing with a new building is, the software they put in 15 years ago is obsolete,” he explained. “They don’t manufacture parts for replacement so they’re hard to get.”

In the past, the district had always done projects through their architect. But working with a performance contracting company, the process would be different and would have some advantages. The first step would be to let bids and give any interested performance contracting companies an opportunity to interview with the board. Once a company was selected, the school would prioritize a list of projects and choose where to begin.

Prusator explained that one of the advantages to a performance contract is the potential to accept local bids that are not necessarily the cheapest but are the best quality. He also noted that any change orders would be covered by the performance contract rather than the school.

Among the items being considered are interior and exterior lighting, tuckpointing, roof replacement (shingle or metal option), chiller replacement, upgrade of temperature control system, and replacement of chilled water three-way control valves with a two-way pressure independent control valve.

Also of interest was the suggestion that the school consider installing solar panels, which would not only be more energy efficient but possibly cut electric bills in half.

Following the report, board members approved letting bids to pursue a performance contract. 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

The schedule for summer school was announced by Principal Denise Aughenbaugh. Title 1 money has been budgeted to offer remedial summer school classes in math, English and science. Most credit retrieval classes will run May 29 through June 20. The exception is Algebra II, which will be extended so students have additional time to complete the course. The first segment will be May 29 through June 8 with a several-week break so students can work at home. The next segment will be July 9-18.

IVCC will offer three sections of summer speech at MHS in June. This class is a dual-credit opportunity for students.

Summer driver’s education will also be offered again this year. There will be three driver’s education vehicles and driving will be done in two rotations of teachers and students.

A new summer school program will be the Summer Bridges Program for identified incoming freshman students. The program concentrates on math and study skills and will run July 23 through Aug. 3.

Testing Update

Students completed the PSAT 9, PSAT 10, SAT and Practice AP Calculus and AP Spanish Language and Culture exams on April 10. Advanced Placement Calculus and Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture exams will be given on May 8 and May 13. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit if they score high enough. The AP Spanish test also provides evidence that students are bilingual and may graduate with the Seal or Commendation of Biliteracy on their diploma and transcript.

The state is also continuing the Illinois Science Assessment. All Biology I students must be tested before the end of the school year.

8th Grade Transition Day

The 8th grade transition day for incoming freshman of the class of 2022 will be on Tuesday, May 1. Students will visit MHS to tour the building, eat in the cafeteria, and meet with MHS students and staff regarding school opportunities and offerings.

National Save a Life Tour

On Tuesday, April 24, MHS will offer an all school assembly and break-out sessions on the importance of distracted driving. The Save a Life tour is a comprehensive, high impact safe driving awareness program that informs, educates and demonstrates the potentially deadly consequences resulting from poor choices and decisions made by distracted drivers.

Students will attend a school-wide assembly to begin the day. They will then be divided into groups for hands-on interactive activities including distracted driving simulation, impaired driving simulation, and informative visual learning stations along with pledge card distribution and banner acknowledgment.

Representatives from the Mendota Police Department and M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) will be present and have handouts available at tables.

Commendations

Aughenbaugh commended Mr. Sondgeroth and all of the art students who participated in the BNC (Big Northern Conference) Art Festival, which was hosted at MHS on April 12.

The show includes 27 total categories and there is a single first, second and third place winner per category. There are three honorable mentions per category, but the judges may choose to move the honorable mentions to other categories that are more deserving.

MHS students who received ribbons include:

First Place-Emma Guelde in Abstract Painting and Anna Bokus in Scratchboard.

Second Place-Amaya Olivas in Digital Drawing.

Third Place-JoHanna Hass in Abstract Painting, Sommer Davis in Digital Drawing, Maren Wise in Functional Sculpture and Maren Wise in Weaving and Textiles.

Honorable Mention-Aiden Stewart in Scratchboard, Christina Vansickle in Digital Drawing and Sommer Davis in Digital Drawing.

EVENTS

* April 24 - Graduation Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., auditorium.

* May 5 - Prom; Grand March and Coronation 5:30 p.m. in MHS gym followed by dinner and dance at the Mendota Civic Center. Post Prom at MHS, 11 p.m.-4 p.m. immediately following the prom.

* May 10 - Awards Assembly 8:05 a.m.

* May 12 - Pops n Pasta and Senior Concert, 7:30 p.m., auditorium.

* May 19 - Graduation, 6 p.m., gym.

* May 25 - Show Choir Send-Off Concert 7 p.m., auditorium.

OTHER BUSINESS

* Fees for the 2018-19 school year were approved. Prusator recommended raising the registration fee from $90 to $95, noting that the cost had not been raised in the past 10 years. All other fees including the $25 insurance for Chromebooks will stay the same.

* The Curriculum Committee held an organizational meeting last week. Prusator said they received the presentation on PE waivers and will discuss the subject in future meetings. A decision on waivers is expected by the time school starts in the fall.

* Prusator said the school has started receiving their new evidence based funding, which has increased their state aid payments from $66,000 twice a month to $88,000. This is an annual increase of about $144,000. “It is actually real money that we’re receiving from the state instead of an empty promise of funds,” Prusator commented.

However, the district is still two payments behind in transportation. Prusator said they expect one more payment, but probably will not get not the third and fourth.

PERSONNEL

Following closed session, the board extended a five-year contract to Denise Aughenbaugh; hired summer school teachers, Liz Tucker, John Holzman, Heath Raley, Aaron Sester, Brock Zinke, Mary Stephenitch and Matt Gehm; summer school tutors, Rey Arteaga, Melissa Sallee and Peyton Gehm; and Kathleen Fox, paraprofessional.

The board also accepted the resignation of Jim Erlenborn as building and grounds director and named Andy Knowlton as the interim building and grounds director, accepted the resignation of Courtney Jonsson as drama sponsor, and approved two summer custodians not to exceed 30 hours per week.

The next regular board of education meeting will be held at the high school on Monday, May 21 at 6 p.m.